1 00:00:10,510 --> 00:00:11,478 (applause) 2 00:00:11,478 --> 00:00:12,612 (applause) 3 00:00:13,346 --> 00:00:15,448 -If you don't know our organization, 4 00:00:15,448 --> 00:00:17,550 Transportation Choices Coalition is Washington 5 00:00:17,550 --> 00:00:19,753 State's nonprofit advocate for safe, 6 00:00:19,753 --> 00:00:22,322 sustainable and equitable transportation. 7 00:00:22,322 --> 00:00:23,490 For 34 years, 8 00:00:23,490 --> 00:00:25,625 we've been a coalition of business, labor, 9 00:00:25,625 --> 00:00:28,228 transit agencies, transit riders and elected leaders, 10 00:00:28,228 --> 00:00:30,663 all beating the drum for investments in transit 11 00:00:30,663 --> 00:00:32,565 and safe walks to transit. 12 00:00:32,565 --> 00:00:35,135 We do a lot of work in the state legislature. 13 00:00:35,135 --> 00:00:37,670 We organize transit riders across the state. 14 00:00:37,670 --> 00:00:40,106 But we're most known for running and winning 15 00:00:40,106 --> 00:00:42,642 transit ballot measure campaigns. 16 00:00:42,642 --> 00:00:47,814 In 1996, 2008, and 2016, we led the successful sound 17 00:00:47,814 --> 00:00:49,149 transit ballot measure campaigns 18 00:00:49,149 --> 00:00:52,152 that extended light rail across this region. 19 00:00:53,086 --> 00:00:54,721 The recent opening of the Cross 20 00:00:54,721 --> 00:00:57,023 connection shows that we are a region 21 00:00:57,023 --> 00:01:00,026 that can envision big things and get them done. 22 00:01:00,693 --> 00:01:01,761 We're going to prove that 23 00:01:01,761 --> 00:01:04,297 again with Sound Transit 3. 24 00:01:04,297 --> 00:01:06,132 As we'll hear later this evening, Sound 25 00:01:06,132 --> 00:01:07,200 transit is required 26 00:01:07,200 --> 00:01:10,203 to have an affordable 25 year system plan. 27 00:01:10,437 --> 00:01:14,107 That means they need to build, operate and finance 28 00:01:14,107 --> 00:01:17,644 the entire light rail, commuter rail and bus system 29 00:01:17,844 --> 00:01:20,113 affordably over 25 years. 30 00:01:20,113 --> 00:01:22,916 They need to have the revenues to meet their expenses. 31 00:01:25,618 --> 00:01:27,454 Late last year, we found out that 32 00:01:27,454 --> 00:01:31,024 those expenses have increased what was a 25 33 00:01:31,324 --> 00:01:36,463 150 billion, 25 year system plan has risen by about 20%. 34 00:01:36,596 --> 00:01:41,768 That's an increase of about $34.5 billion, bringing the total to around $184 billion. 35 00:01:42,268 --> 00:01:44,537 That is a big number. 36 00:01:44,537 --> 00:01:46,606 But it invests its investment 37 00:01:46,606 --> 00:01:48,374 in something that we all want. 38 00:01:48,374 --> 00:01:51,377 It's investment in transit 39 00:01:51,511 --> 00:01:53,947 and investment in our communities. 40 00:01:53,947 --> 00:01:57,150 And Transportation Choices Coalition is working with a 41 00:01:58,084 --> 00:01:59,986 coalition of advocates from across 42 00:01:59,986 --> 00:02:01,421 the three-county region 43 00:02:01,421 --> 00:02:04,424 to let the board know that this region wants light rail. 44 00:02:04,457 --> 00:02:06,459 And that campaign is called Deep Build. 45 00:02:06,459 --> 00:02:09,629 The 'Build the Damn Trains' campaign will have a huge art. 46 00:02:09,629 --> 00:02:13,833 (applause and cheering) 47 00:02:13,833 --> 00:02:15,268 This is this room for this message. 48 00:02:15,268 --> 00:02:18,271 And I'd love to see some of those shirts out there. 49 00:02:18,304 --> 00:02:21,141 This is a broad alliance of business, labor, 50 00:02:21,141 --> 00:02:22,308 environmental advocates 51 00:02:22,308 --> 00:02:24,911 and transit advocates from across the county, 52 00:02:25,879 --> 00:02:28,248 across the three-county region. 53 00:02:28,248 --> 00:02:30,783 And we are united around a simple message 54 00:02:30,783 --> 00:02:33,019 that we are delivering to the board members. 55 00:02:33,019 --> 00:02:35,088 Those messages are three things. 56 00:02:35,088 --> 00:02:38,091 First, don't cancel the light rail lines. 57 00:02:38,124 --> 00:02:39,993 Keep light rail projects moving. 58 00:02:39,993 --> 00:02:40,960 And remember that we're 59 00:02:40,960 --> 00:02:43,696 all in this together as one region. 60 00:02:43,696 --> 00:02:45,899 Those are the values that bring so many of us 61 00:02:45,899 --> 00:02:46,766 here in the room together 62 00:02:46,766 --> 00:02:49,769 today and bring this broad coalition together 63 00:02:50,703 --> 00:02:53,406 and we're delivering that message to the sound 64 00:02:53,406 --> 00:02:54,507 transit board. 65 00:02:54,507 --> 00:02:56,876 The Sound Transit board is 18 people 66 00:02:56,876 --> 00:02:59,179 who are going to find us a path forward 67 00:02:59,179 --> 00:03:01,514 through the Enterprise initiative. 68 00:03:01,514 --> 00:03:02,949 They are people who want 69 00:03:02,949 --> 00:03:04,651 light rail and have championed this 70 00:03:04,651 --> 00:03:05,985 and made the case for it 71 00:03:05,985 --> 00:03:08,721 at the ballot and in their communities. 72 00:03:08,721 --> 00:03:09,756 These are people who want 73 00:03:09,756 --> 00:03:10,323 light rail 74 00:03:10,323 --> 00:03:11,824 and they didn't ask for the 75 00:03:11,824 --> 00:03:13,126 challenging approaches 76 00:03:13,126 --> 00:03:15,428 that Sound Transit staff provided them. 77 00:03:15,428 --> 00:03:17,397 But these are going to be the 18 leaders 78 00:03:17,397 --> 00:03:19,365 who find us a path forward, 79 00:03:19,365 --> 00:03:20,066 and we're thrilled 80 00:03:20,066 --> 00:03:23,069 to have four of those leaders up here with us tonight. 81 00:03:23,069 --> 00:03:24,237 We're joined by King County 82 00:03:24,237 --> 00:03:27,607 executive Girmay Zahilay, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, 83 00:03:27,774 --> 00:03:29,976 King County Council member Teresa Mosqueda, 84 00:03:29,976 --> 00:03:32,779 and Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss. 85 00:03:32,779 --> 00:03:34,581 Please give them a huge round of applause. 86 00:03:36,316 --> 00:03:42,388 (applause) 87 00:03:43,523 --> 00:03:45,658 They have been spending a lot of time 88 00:03:45,658 --> 00:03:48,027 over the last few months talking about Sound Transit, 89 00:03:48,027 --> 00:03:50,063 and they've been gracious to come here 90 00:03:50,063 --> 00:03:51,998 and spend their time with us to share 91 00:03:51,998 --> 00:03:54,434 how they're thinking about the Enterprise initiative, 92 00:03:54,434 --> 00:03:58,037 how they want to solve this challenge, and put forth 93 00:03:58,037 --> 00:03:59,272 what is helpful to hear 94 00:03:59,272 --> 00:04:02,275 from the public at this challenging moment. 95 00:04:02,575 --> 00:04:05,245 I also want to recognize the other elected officials 96 00:04:05,245 --> 00:04:06,913 that we have in the room. 97 00:04:06,913 --> 00:04:08,114 There are a lot of you out there, 98 00:04:08,114 --> 00:04:09,349 I believe, outside King County 99 00:04:09,349 --> 00:04:12,352 Council member George Barron joining us to 100 00:04:13,152 --> 00:04:14,287 give him a round of applause. 101 00:04:14,287 --> 00:04:17,290 A transit champion. 102 00:04:17,423 --> 00:04:18,424 Who else am I missing? 103 00:04:18,424 --> 00:04:19,759 Can you get the elected officials 104 00:04:19,759 --> 00:04:22,762 to raise their hands if there's anyone else 105 00:04:24,163 --> 00:04:25,498 other than the four that we have at 106 00:04:25,498 --> 00:04:26,132 the front of the room? 107 00:04:27,267 --> 00:04:28,701 All right. 108 00:04:28,701 --> 00:04:31,738 Well, once again, thank you all so much for being here. 109 00:04:32,038 --> 00:04:33,239 And I want to highlight 110 00:04:33,239 --> 00:04:36,709 that this coming Thursday, May 7th, at 1030, 111 00:04:36,809 --> 00:04:39,579 is going to be a key Sound Transit board meeting. 112 00:04:39,579 --> 00:04:40,647 It's going to be the executive 113 00:04:40,647 --> 00:04:42,882 committee meeting where the Sound Transit board 114 00:04:42,882 --> 00:04:45,818 is going to dive into another approach 115 00:04:45,818 --> 00:04:46,686 that is informed 116 00:04:46,686 --> 00:04:47,553 by the feedback 117 00:04:47,553 --> 00:04:48,354 that they've been getting 118 00:04:48,354 --> 00:04:49,989 from the public over the last month 119 00:04:49,989 --> 00:04:51,391 since their board retreat. 120 00:04:51,391 --> 00:04:55,061 That is a moment where they, by law have to listen to you 121 00:04:55,828 --> 00:04:56,863 deliver your comments. 122 00:04:56,863 --> 00:04:59,299 So please, we're hoping to see a huge 123 00:04:59,299 --> 00:05:01,501 turnout of folks there at that board meeting 124 00:05:01,501 --> 00:05:03,569 to share your message about how important light 125 00:05:03,569 --> 00:05:05,271 rail is your community. 126 00:05:05,271 --> 00:05:08,308 But we're really gracious for these board members to be 127 00:05:08,308 --> 00:05:11,844 spending a beautiful evening here inside with us tonight. 128 00:05:12,478 --> 00:05:15,682 So before I begin, I'm going to go over just a few 129 00:05:15,682 --> 00:05:16,516 ground rules. 130 00:05:17,684 --> 00:05:18,584 Tonight, we're going to 131 00:05:18,584 --> 00:05:22,288 have a moderated conversation with our panelists. 132 00:05:22,355 --> 00:05:23,189 But before that, 133 00:05:23,189 --> 00:05:26,459 we're going to be joined by Sound Transit director of 134 00:05:26,993 --> 00:05:30,096 a deputy executive director of Enterprise Planning, 135 00:05:30,763 --> 00:05:33,299 Alex Krieg, who's going to level set for us 136 00:05:33,299 --> 00:05:35,068 and let us know what is the Enterprise 137 00:05:35,068 --> 00:05:37,704 initiative and what challenge the board is tackling. 138 00:05:37,704 --> 00:05:40,373 We're going to have that moderated panel discussion 139 00:05:40,373 --> 00:05:42,475 and then we're going to be taking questions 140 00:05:42,475 --> 00:05:45,144 from the audience through no cards. 141 00:05:45,144 --> 00:05:47,747 Thank you to everyone who submitted their questions 142 00:05:47,747 --> 00:05:50,750 on the RCP link online. 143 00:05:51,017 --> 00:05:52,985 We have those questions up and ready. 144 00:05:52,985 --> 00:05:55,121 We're going to dive into those at the beginning, 145 00:05:55,121 --> 00:05:58,591 and we were handing out no cards at the entrance. 146 00:05:58,591 --> 00:06:02,261 If you did not get one, please make sure to 147 00:06:02,628 --> 00:06:05,798 get one or raise your hand and take staff on. 148 00:06:05,998 --> 00:06:07,533 Make sure you get a no card. 149 00:06:07,533 --> 00:06:09,469 We have a few. Ask for those questions on those. 150 00:06:09,469 --> 00:06:12,038 No cards first, please. Right. 151 00:06:12,038 --> 00:06:13,639 Just one question on that. 152 00:06:13,639 --> 00:06:16,476 No card to please write it legibly. 153 00:06:16,476 --> 00:06:19,545 And when we get through some of our moderated 154 00:06:19,545 --> 00:06:21,147 questions, first, 155 00:06:21,147 --> 00:06:22,382 raise your cards up 156 00:06:22,382 --> 00:06:23,750 and we'll have transportation choices. 157 00:06:23,750 --> 00:06:25,118 Coalition staff come around, pick 158 00:06:25,118 --> 00:06:25,785 those up, 159 00:06:25,785 --> 00:06:28,788 and we'll get them up to our panelists at the front. 160 00:06:29,021 --> 00:06:32,492 And lastly, we know this is a popular topic. 161 00:06:32,525 --> 00:06:33,860 This is a full room. 162 00:06:33,860 --> 00:06:36,329 There's still more people coming in from the outside. 163 00:06:36,329 --> 00:06:38,364 We're not going to get to everyone's questions. 164 00:06:38,364 --> 00:06:38,898 We're going to try 165 00:06:38,898 --> 00:06:42,335 and have about 30 to 40 minutes of questions. 166 00:06:42,335 --> 00:06:44,637 We're going to get to as many as we can, 167 00:06:44,637 --> 00:06:46,939 but we're not going to be able to get to all of them. 168 00:06:47,907 --> 00:06:50,209 So thank you all so much for being here. 169 00:06:50,209 --> 00:06:52,678 And now I'm thrilled to welcome up 170 00:06:52,678 --> 00:06:55,648 the most knowledgeable person in this entire region 171 00:06:55,648 --> 00:06:57,483 on the Enterprise Initiative, 172 00:06:57,483 --> 00:06:59,719 the deputy executive director of Enterprise 173 00:06:59,719 --> 00:07:02,789 Planning at Sound Transit, Alex Krieg. Alex 174 00:07:05,625 --> 00:07:06,726 -Hi everybody. 175 00:07:06,726 --> 00:07:08,127 Again, my name is Alex Krieg. 176 00:07:08,127 --> 00:07:11,097 I promise you I'm not that knowledgeable, 177 00:07:11,164 --> 00:07:13,599 but I am here to give you an overview 178 00:07:13,599 --> 00:07:17,170 of this thing that we call the Enterprise Initiative. 179 00:07:17,370 --> 00:07:18,237 Thank you, Holden. 180 00:07:18,237 --> 00:07:21,207 Thank you, Kirk, for the kind words 181 00:07:22,408 --> 00:07:25,411 once this video source becomes present. 182 00:07:26,813 --> 00:07:28,948 So the first slide is a map of the sound 183 00:07:28,948 --> 00:07:31,918 transit district, and it makes the point that 184 00:07:32,285 --> 00:07:33,252 the Sound Transit district, 185 00:07:33,252 --> 00:07:35,121 which is made up of the urbanized areas 186 00:07:35,121 --> 00:07:38,124 of King Pierce and Snohomish County, 187 00:07:38,157 --> 00:07:41,127 represents 40% of the state's population. 188 00:07:42,028 --> 00:07:44,764 A large obviously a large share, 189 00:07:44,764 --> 00:07:46,265 and that the mission of Sound Transit 190 00:07:46,265 --> 00:07:47,934 is to deliver high capacity 191 00:07:47,934 --> 00:07:52,438 transit to as many people in that district as possible. 192 00:07:53,673 --> 00:07:56,042 Then there is a slide that shows the fact 193 00:07:56,042 --> 00:07:59,679 that voters have approved three ballot initiatives, 194 00:08:00,980 --> 00:08:03,983 the first in 1996 called Sound Move, 195 00:08:04,217 --> 00:08:05,518 which connected light rail 196 00:08:05,518 --> 00:08:08,855 from Westlake Station to the Sea-Tac Airport. 197 00:08:09,355 --> 00:08:12,825 It also made some investments throughout the district, 198 00:08:13,092 --> 00:08:15,828 including the T line down in Tacoma, 199 00:08:15,828 --> 00:08:19,866 some sounder investments and City Express investments. 200 00:08:20,233 --> 00:08:21,734 We'll look at that 201 00:08:21,868 --> 00:08:26,472 (applause) 202 00:08:27,340 --> 00:08:28,574 Always go with a back up laptop. 203 00:08:28,574 --> 00:08:30,076 You know what I'm saying? 204 00:08:30,076 --> 00:08:32,812 Look at that was the slide. 205 00:08:32,812 --> 00:08:33,145 Okay. 206 00:08:33,145 --> 00:08:35,815 This was the other slide I was talking about. 207 00:08:35,815 --> 00:08:38,951 So SC two passed by the voters in 2008, 208 00:08:39,285 --> 00:08:42,388 made a bunch of investments in link light rail, 209 00:08:42,788 --> 00:08:46,158 which we have been opening over the past several years. 210 00:08:46,592 --> 00:08:48,094 Most recently about a month ago 211 00:08:48,094 --> 00:08:50,329 with the Cross Lake Connection, 212 00:08:50,329 --> 00:08:51,797 including a station in the Judkins 213 00:08:51,797 --> 00:08:53,933 park neighborhood of Seattle, 214 00:08:53,933 --> 00:08:55,167 also bringing 215 00:08:55,167 --> 00:08:57,937 four and five minute headways throughout the day 216 00:08:57,937 --> 00:08:58,871 on the light rail 217 00:08:58,871 --> 00:09:00,573 between International District 218 00:09:00,573 --> 00:09:02,642 Chinatown Station and Lynnwood. 219 00:09:02,642 --> 00:09:04,944 If you haven't used it, it's great. 220 00:09:04,944 --> 00:09:06,646 We also expanded Sounder 221 00:09:06,646 --> 00:09:09,415 South to sell Tacoma and Lakewood. 222 00:09:09,415 --> 00:09:12,418 And then in 2016, 83 passed 223 00:09:12,852 --> 00:09:16,822 bringing investments in link to Ballard West Seattle, 224 00:09:17,423 --> 00:09:19,859 completing the spine to Everett in Tacoma. 225 00:09:19,859 --> 00:09:23,195 New light rail connections in the East King County, 226 00:09:24,096 --> 00:09:27,700 including what's already open to downtown Redmond, 227 00:09:28,167 --> 00:09:31,137 as well as to Federal Way and a project in 228 00:09:32,071 --> 00:09:35,074 Tacoma extending the T Line project 229 00:09:35,241 --> 00:09:38,711 in addition to three new lines of Stride 230 00:09:38,711 --> 00:09:41,948 Bus Rapid transit that will also serve the city 231 00:09:41,948 --> 00:09:44,951 of Seattle up on 1/45. 232 00:09:44,951 --> 00:09:48,421 The next slide would have been our nice and elaborate 233 00:09:48,888 --> 00:09:51,357 map of the voter approved system 234 00:09:51,357 --> 00:09:54,560 that SD three will bring to the region. 235 00:09:54,760 --> 00:09:57,363 So five link light rail lines, 236 00:09:57,363 --> 00:10:00,900 the one through four line, the T line in Tacoma, 116 237 00:10:00,900 --> 00:10:04,537 miles of track with 83 stations, sounder trains 238 00:10:04,537 --> 00:10:08,007 north and south, and two BRT investments as well. 239 00:10:09,875 --> 00:10:11,744 That is all background 240 00:10:11,744 --> 00:10:13,512 in service to this thing that we call 241 00:10:13,512 --> 00:10:15,147 the Enterprise Initiative. 242 00:10:15,147 --> 00:10:18,985 That is our effort to ensure that we can deliver 243 00:10:19,218 --> 00:10:20,886 the greatest benefits of ST3 244 00:10:20,886 --> 00:10:23,889 within available financial capacity. 245 00:10:24,090 --> 00:10:25,758 The agency has faced program 246 00:10:25,758 --> 00:10:28,194 affordability challenges in the past. 247 00:10:28,194 --> 00:10:29,428 Typically when we face 248 00:10:29,428 --> 00:10:32,431 these challenges, we've really only focused on 249 00:10:32,965 --> 00:10:36,902 addressing capital program, scope or schedule. 250 00:10:37,336 --> 00:10:39,305 This time we're trying to be more comprehensive 251 00:10:39,305 --> 00:10:42,274 and look at all parts of the agency, 252 00:10:42,274 --> 00:10:43,776 hence the word enterprise. 253 00:10:43,776 --> 00:10:45,478 So thinking about 254 00:10:45,478 --> 00:10:49,015 policy choices, we can make operational decisions, 255 00:10:49,015 --> 00:10:52,184 we can make finance choices we can make as well. 256 00:10:52,652 --> 00:10:55,655 If we don't act, we will have an unaffordable 257 00:10:55,721 --> 00:10:57,390 Step three program. 258 00:10:57,390 --> 00:11:00,993 But the board does have the tools and resources 259 00:11:00,993 --> 00:11:03,996 necessary to address these challenges. 260 00:11:05,398 --> 00:11:10,703 We really had a sense that the agency was facing 261 00:11:11,070 --> 00:11:14,040 program affordability challenges beginning in late 262 00:11:14,040 --> 00:11:18,077 2024, with a few set of leading indicators, 263 00:11:18,577 --> 00:11:21,414 including some cost growth we were seeing on the West 264 00:11:21,414 --> 00:11:23,582 Seattle Link Extension Project, 265 00:11:23,582 --> 00:11:24,350 the West Seattle Link 266 00:11:24,350 --> 00:11:26,218 Extension project is the light rail 267 00:11:26,218 --> 00:11:28,354 extension in SD three that is furthest 268 00:11:28,354 --> 00:11:31,357 along in its project development lifecycle. 269 00:11:31,457 --> 00:11:34,193 When the board selected the project to be built, 270 00:11:34,193 --> 00:11:37,430 we also disclosed information about something 271 00:11:37,430 --> 00:11:40,433 like 70% cost growth on that project. 272 00:11:40,633 --> 00:11:42,868 That led the board to act. 273 00:11:42,868 --> 00:11:44,036 They did a couple of things. 274 00:11:44,036 --> 00:11:47,139 One thing that they did was they directed staff to begin 275 00:11:47,573 --> 00:11:50,142 a comprehensive effort to find capital program 276 00:11:50,142 --> 00:11:53,145 cost savings across the program. 277 00:11:53,245 --> 00:11:55,314 They also directed staff to 278 00:11:56,482 --> 00:11:58,184 update cost estimates on 279 00:11:58,184 --> 00:12:01,187 all of our other major light rail extensions 280 00:12:01,320 --> 00:12:04,023 in recognition of the fact that 281 00:12:04,023 --> 00:12:06,859 what we were seeing in West Seattle was likely 282 00:12:06,859 --> 00:12:09,862 to be present in our other projects. 283 00:12:10,563 --> 00:12:13,566 Also, in late 2024, we had opened 284 00:12:14,300 --> 00:12:15,968 the Lynnwood Link extension a few months 285 00:12:15,968 --> 00:12:16,869 before we had opened 286 00:12:16,869 --> 00:12:19,872 the starter line in East East King County. 287 00:12:21,107 --> 00:12:23,375 Shortly thereafter, we opened more on the East 288 00:12:23,375 --> 00:12:25,077 side and down to Federal Way. 289 00:12:25,077 --> 00:12:25,611 As we've 290 00:12:25,611 --> 00:12:27,580 expanded, it's been great, but we've also seen 291 00:12:27,580 --> 00:12:29,815 some challenges in that expansion, 292 00:12:29,815 --> 00:12:32,918 particularly in service reliability 293 00:12:33,552 --> 00:12:35,755 and the resilience of the service we're providing. 294 00:12:35,755 --> 00:12:38,691 That has improved in the recent past. 295 00:12:38,691 --> 00:12:41,360 But it did indicate that we were possibly 296 00:12:41,360 --> 00:12:43,662 seeing going to see some cost risk there. 297 00:12:43,662 --> 00:12:45,564 And then just generally, 298 00:12:45,564 --> 00:12:46,098 right now, 299 00:12:46,098 --> 00:12:47,333 there's a lot of uncertainty 300 00:12:47,333 --> 00:12:50,336 in the regional and national and global economies. 301 00:12:51,036 --> 00:12:54,039 A lot of cost growth, post-COVID, 302 00:12:54,273 --> 00:12:55,908 but also a lot of changed 303 00:12:55,908 --> 00:12:59,311 mobility behaviors following the COVID 19 pandemic. 304 00:13:00,379 --> 00:13:01,947 And this can give us an 305 00:13:01,947 --> 00:13:03,849 opportunity to think differently about 306 00:13:03,849 --> 00:13:08,354 the investments identified in Study three past in 2016. 307 00:13:08,721 --> 00:13:10,890 So these were things informing 308 00:13:10,890 --> 00:13:12,224 some of the risks that we saw. 309 00:13:12,224 --> 00:13:15,227 But also the approach that we wanted to take 310 00:13:15,628 --> 00:13:18,597 looking at this challenge comprehensively. 311 00:13:18,731 --> 00:13:21,634 In August of last year, we were able to quantify 312 00:13:21,634 --> 00:13:22,835 the challenge. 313 00:13:22,835 --> 00:13:24,203 You've heard probably the number 314 00:13:24,203 --> 00:13:25,771 34 and a half billion dollars 315 00:13:25,771 --> 00:13:28,774 in either a cost savings or new funding that we need 316 00:13:29,008 --> 00:13:31,911 to fully fund the Study three program. 317 00:13:31,911 --> 00:13:33,612 It is a very large number. 318 00:13:33,612 --> 00:13:38,484 It is approximately 20 to 25% of our overall capacity. 319 00:13:39,451 --> 00:13:42,521 A lot of that cost growth was in our capital program. 320 00:13:43,289 --> 00:13:44,323 Reflecting again, 321 00:13:44,323 --> 00:13:47,326 that post-COVID inflationary environment, 322 00:13:47,459 --> 00:13:48,527 a stat that the 323 00:13:48,527 --> 00:13:51,530 the board chair of Sound Transit loves to give is 324 00:13:51,597 --> 00:13:54,233 between 12 and in 2020 325 00:13:54,233 --> 00:13:57,002 we saw about 70% inflation 326 00:13:57,002 --> 00:13:59,071 in transportation construction 327 00:13:59,071 --> 00:14:02,575 and between 2020 and 2026, we also saw 328 00:14:02,575 --> 00:14:05,010 about 70% inflation. 329 00:14:05,010 --> 00:14:08,013 And that explains a lot of what we're seeing here. 330 00:14:08,047 --> 00:14:09,448 There are also some cost pressures 331 00:14:09,448 --> 00:14:11,183 related to our ability 332 00:14:11,183 --> 00:14:14,086 to deliver a service in transit operations. 333 00:14:14,086 --> 00:14:15,855 We have seen some marginal improvement 334 00:14:15,855 --> 00:14:18,457 on the sort of revenue and financing side. 335 00:14:18,457 --> 00:14:19,124 And I think a key 336 00:14:19,124 --> 00:14:22,528 point is we still have robust resources to deliver 337 00:14:22,928 --> 00:14:25,164 a lot of the investments in stuff. Three, 338 00:14:27,199 --> 00:14:29,001 the board has been very engaged. 339 00:14:29,001 --> 00:14:31,036 In August, they adopted a motion 340 00:14:31,036 --> 00:14:32,872 that established principles to guide 341 00:14:32,872 --> 00:14:35,074 the work of the Enterprise initiative 342 00:14:35,074 --> 00:14:36,508 that are listed here, 343 00:14:36,508 --> 00:14:39,144 including advancing regional connectivity, 344 00:14:39,144 --> 00:14:42,014 really thinking about the population and job 345 00:14:42,014 --> 00:14:45,017 centers served by the investments 346 00:14:45,117 --> 00:14:46,619 supporting future growth, 347 00:14:46,619 --> 00:14:48,320 making sure those investments align 348 00:14:48,320 --> 00:14:50,055 where people are today and where 349 00:14:50,055 --> 00:14:52,258 we think they will be in the future. 350 00:14:52,258 --> 00:14:55,227 Prioritizing the passenger experience, which is again, 351 00:14:55,527 --> 00:14:58,297 really about delivering reliable service. 352 00:14:58,297 --> 00:15:01,300 Making sure that the system overall is dependable 353 00:15:01,600 --> 00:15:02,835 and then protecting public 354 00:15:02,835 --> 00:15:05,337 investments with fiscal integrity. 355 00:15:05,337 --> 00:15:07,673 In this case, I think it's really important 356 00:15:07,673 --> 00:15:10,609 that as staff that we bring to the board 357 00:15:10,609 --> 00:15:13,145 the trade offs that they are going to face 358 00:15:13,145 --> 00:15:16,148 in making a decision of this scale. 359 00:15:18,117 --> 00:15:21,120 Again, the boards have been super engaged, most recently 360 00:15:21,353 --> 00:15:25,024 at a retreat in mid-March in the city of Tacoma. 361 00:15:25,724 --> 00:15:26,025 This is 362 00:15:26,025 --> 00:15:29,295 actually the third retreat that they have had since the 363 00:15:29,795 --> 00:15:32,564 Enterprise initiative kicked off about a year ago. 364 00:15:32,564 --> 00:15:36,135 They directed us to bring forward plausible, 365 00:15:36,135 --> 00:15:38,137 affordable approaches to deliver the City 366 00:15:38,137 --> 00:15:40,105 three capital program. 367 00:15:40,105 --> 00:15:42,775 I know that those approaches, especially in the North 368 00:15:42,775 --> 00:15:46,378 Kingsbury, in the city of Seattle, were not popular. 369 00:15:46,879 --> 00:15:48,747 And I appreciate that 370 00:15:48,747 --> 00:15:50,149 and I certainly appreciate 371 00:15:50,149 --> 00:15:53,152 the energy that people are bringing to this discussion. 372 00:15:53,352 --> 00:15:54,553 The purpose was not to 373 00:15:54,553 --> 00:15:57,556 have these be answers, but really to be 374 00:15:58,357 --> 00:16:00,893 provoking discussion and engaging 375 00:16:00,893 --> 00:16:03,896 in the policy questions surfaced by them. 376 00:16:04,063 --> 00:16:07,066 What we also did at that retreat was bring the board 377 00:16:07,099 --> 00:16:09,401 information about other opportunities 378 00:16:09,401 --> 00:16:12,404 to save costs and expand financial capacity 379 00:16:12,638 --> 00:16:17,509 across the different workstreams that we have 380 00:16:17,810 --> 00:16:20,813 set out for this enterprise initiative that includes 381 00:16:20,879 --> 00:16:22,581 policy and planning, that includes 382 00:16:22,581 --> 00:16:25,384 transit operations, that includes finance. 383 00:16:25,384 --> 00:16:26,752 Because again, it's 384 00:16:26,752 --> 00:16:28,320 I think a core objective of the board 385 00:16:28,320 --> 00:16:31,323 is to deliver as much of the capital program as possible. 386 00:16:31,523 --> 00:16:34,526 And so to look at these other domains to find 387 00:16:34,560 --> 00:16:37,529 either cost savings or additional resources. 388 00:16:37,830 --> 00:16:40,799 We received a lot of great feedback from the board 389 00:16:41,066 --> 00:16:43,535 to help advance towards an updated City 390 00:16:43,535 --> 00:16:45,137 three system plan, 391 00:16:45,137 --> 00:16:47,673 which will be presented and discussed at Thursday's 392 00:16:47,673 --> 00:16:49,074 executive committee meeting. 393 00:16:50,609 --> 00:16:53,579 What did we hear from that board retreat? 394 00:16:53,846 --> 00:16:55,214 We did hear a shared commitment 395 00:16:55,214 --> 00:16:58,484 to delivering on the regional promise of SDG 396 00:16:58,484 --> 00:17:01,920 three of connecting centers, of ensuring 397 00:17:02,454 --> 00:17:05,457 that all parts of the region are served. 398 00:17:05,824 --> 00:17:07,659 Generally speaking, we heard a lot of support 399 00:17:07,659 --> 00:17:08,293 for advancing 400 00:17:08,293 --> 00:17:11,296 light rail investments over other investments 401 00:17:11,363 --> 00:17:12,131 like Sounder 402 00:17:12,131 --> 00:17:15,134 or like some of the parking investments identified in 403 00:17:15,200 --> 00:17:16,769 SG three. 404 00:17:16,769 --> 00:17:19,905 We heard a lot of support for keeping the projects 405 00:17:19,905 --> 00:17:23,275 that are actively underway in either planning or design, 406 00:17:23,742 --> 00:17:25,677 like the West Seattle projects 407 00:17:25,677 --> 00:17:28,680 like the Graham Street Infill Station project 408 00:17:28,847 --> 00:17:31,050 moving forward. 409 00:17:31,050 --> 00:17:34,053 Yeah, shout out 410 00:17:34,219 --> 00:17:35,687 because that gives us a chance 411 00:17:35,687 --> 00:17:38,123 to find more cost savings and also to ensure 412 00:17:38,123 --> 00:17:39,758 that we have a better handle 413 00:17:39,758 --> 00:17:41,927 on the cost risks identified. 414 00:17:41,927 --> 00:17:43,395 There are a few projects 415 00:17:43,395 --> 00:17:44,730 that we haven't really started 416 00:17:44,730 --> 00:17:47,132 any kind of planning work on. 417 00:17:47,132 --> 00:17:50,069 I think we definitely heard interest that beginning. 418 00:17:50,069 --> 00:17:52,371 Any sort of planning work would be beneficial. 419 00:17:52,371 --> 00:17:53,472 Just to understand 420 00:17:53,472 --> 00:17:58,043 both the needs of those communities as well as what 421 00:17:58,043 --> 00:18:01,747 we might be able to either save in those corridors or 422 00:18:01,980 --> 00:18:04,049 consider it to do differently. 423 00:18:04,049 --> 00:18:06,618 And we are the board in particular, are going to have 424 00:18:06,618 --> 00:18:08,620 to make some hard choices about 425 00:18:08,620 --> 00:18:11,356 what we can afford right now 426 00:18:11,356 --> 00:18:13,559 and understanding the pathway for projects 427 00:18:13,559 --> 00:18:14,960 that may be deferred, how 428 00:18:14,960 --> 00:18:17,963 they get back into that affordable part of the plan. 429 00:18:18,230 --> 00:18:18,897 And so 430 00:18:20,299 --> 00:18:22,734 this is new this is a new slide for these. 431 00:18:22,734 --> 00:18:25,137 This shows basically 432 00:18:25,137 --> 00:18:26,772 kind of the problem that we're trying to solve. 433 00:18:26,772 --> 00:18:29,775 We have a lot of capacity to deliver investments 434 00:18:30,209 --> 00:18:31,176 and still a lot of 435 00:18:31,176 --> 00:18:34,179 opportunities to fund the full system plan. 436 00:18:34,379 --> 00:18:35,080 I know the board 437 00:18:35,080 --> 00:18:36,181 is going to take some action 438 00:18:36,181 --> 00:18:39,184 to increase as much capacity as they can, 439 00:18:39,551 --> 00:18:42,821 but they are just one special purpose government 440 00:18:42,821 --> 00:18:44,556 in the state of Washington. 441 00:18:44,556 --> 00:18:47,893 There's a lot of opportunity in Olympia, 442 00:18:48,494 --> 00:18:50,996 in the other Washington, and in working with partner 443 00:18:50,996 --> 00:18:51,763 in partnership 444 00:18:51,763 --> 00:18:54,766 with our local jurisdictions, with washed out 445 00:18:55,067 --> 00:18:56,602 with other governments 446 00:18:56,602 --> 00:18:59,404 to figure out how to deliver the full program, 447 00:18:59,404 --> 00:19:01,206 some of which is listed here. 448 00:19:01,206 --> 00:19:04,209 And that is all that I have. 449 00:19:04,409 --> 00:19:06,278 I want to thank you for your attention 450 00:19:06,278 --> 00:19:08,514 and energy in support of this efforts. 451 00:19:08,514 --> 00:19:10,616 And I don't know where. 452 00:19:10,616 --> 00:19:11,850 there's Kirk. 453 00:19:11,850 --> 00:19:13,919 Back to you. -Alex. Thank you so much. 454 00:19:14,686 --> 00:19:20,058 (applause) 455 00:19:20,058 --> 00:19:21,360 You don't get away that easy. 456 00:19:21,360 --> 00:19:22,261 Tonight, we're going to ask you 457 00:19:22,261 --> 00:19:24,763 to come up and sit with us, but 458 00:19:24,763 --> 00:19:27,866 we have been hosting these town halls across the region 459 00:19:27,866 --> 00:19:29,468 and we've had hundreds of folks 460 00:19:29,468 --> 00:19:33,205 turn out in Everett, in Tacoma, on the east side. 461 00:19:33,405 --> 00:19:36,241 And I'm thrilled to see a packed house in here. 462 00:19:36,241 --> 00:19:38,577 Take a look around. We have 200 people 463 00:19:38,577 --> 00:19:40,812 here tonight to talk about light rail. 464 00:19:40,812 --> 00:19:43,815 So thrilled to have this conversation 465 00:19:44,049 --> 00:19:47,152 in a place that loves transit, the city of Seattle. 466 00:19:47,653 --> 00:19:50,155 So I'm thrilled to welcome up for board members 467 00:19:50,155 --> 00:19:52,991 for tonight's panel conversation. 468 00:19:52,991 --> 00:19:55,694 I'm thrilled to welcome up King County executive 469 00:19:55,694 --> 00:19:58,697 Girmay Zahilay. 470 00:19:58,931 --> 00:20:01,733 (applause) 471 00:20:01,934 --> 00:20:04,403 We're also joined by the mayor of Seattle, 472 00:20:04,403 --> 00:20:05,671 Mayor Katie Wilson. 473 00:20:06,104 --> 00:20:10,542 (applause) 474 00:20:11,944 --> 00:20:13,478 We're joined by King County 475 00:20:13,478 --> 00:20:15,147 Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, 476 00:20:15,347 --> 00:20:19,184 (applause) 477 00:20:20,919 --> 00:20:22,321 and we're joined by 478 00:20:22,321 --> 00:20:25,324 City of Seattle Councilmember Dan Strauss. 479 00:20:25,757 --> 00:20:29,595 (applause) 480 00:20:31,129 --> 00:20:32,164 All right. 481 00:20:32,164 --> 00:20:35,167 Thank you all so much for being here tonight. 482 00:20:38,437 --> 00:20:40,872 And also, there's one chair open for you here, Alex. 483 00:20:40,872 --> 00:20:41,373 Come on. 484 00:20:41,373 --> 00:20:43,075 Come on up and join us. 485 00:20:45,210 --> 00:20:49,047 (applause) 486 00:20:52,117 --> 00:20:53,819 Well, all right. 487 00:20:53,819 --> 00:20:56,188 Can everyone hear me? Okay? 488 00:20:56,188 --> 00:20:56,989 All right. 489 00:20:56,989 --> 00:21:00,225 I want to thank you so much for that presentation. 490 00:21:00,292 --> 00:21:03,195 Alex, for our first question, 491 00:21:03,195 --> 00:21:05,097 we really want to dive into the history 492 00:21:05,097 --> 00:21:07,666 of the last two years in this region. 493 00:21:07,666 --> 00:21:10,469 In the last two years, Sound Transit has opened light 494 00:21:10,469 --> 00:21:13,472 rail extensions to Lynnwood to Federal Way. 495 00:21:13,572 --> 00:21:15,407 They opened a two lane starter line, 496 00:21:15,407 --> 00:21:17,609 and just a little over a month ago, 497 00:21:17,609 --> 00:21:19,578 they opened the Cross Lake connection, 498 00:21:19,578 --> 00:21:20,879 which finally brought together 499 00:21:20,879 --> 00:21:24,416 the entire region and completed Sound Transit, too. 500 00:21:24,916 --> 00:21:27,552 It's a big moment for this region. 501 00:21:27,552 --> 00:21:29,488 So I want to pose this to each of you. 502 00:21:29,488 --> 00:21:30,989 What does this moment mean 503 00:21:30,989 --> 00:21:32,991 for our region and what does this show? 504 00:21:32,991 --> 00:21:34,559 Our region is capable of delivering? 505 00:21:36,728 --> 00:21:38,997 Well, I'll start, Mayor Wilson. 506 00:21:38,997 --> 00:21:40,532 -Okay. 507 00:21:40,532 --> 00:21:42,701 Hi, everyone. 508 00:21:42,701 --> 00:21:45,904 And love being here to talk about light rail. 509 00:21:45,904 --> 00:21:48,473 So I it's been really exciting 510 00:21:48,473 --> 00:21:52,711 the last couple of years, and I was really excited 511 00:21:53,178 --> 00:21:56,148 to join on opening day at the Cross Connection. 512 00:21:56,848 --> 00:21:59,818 I really think that the last couple of years 513 00:22:00,218 --> 00:22:02,788 have shown us that we can do hard things right. 514 00:22:02,788 --> 00:22:04,056 We can do innovative things. 515 00:22:04,056 --> 00:22:06,625 We can do things that require 516 00:22:06,625 --> 00:22:07,592 lots of time 517 00:22:07,592 --> 00:22:08,160 and lots 518 00:22:08,160 --> 00:22:09,561 of struggle against obstacles, 519 00:22:09,561 --> 00:22:12,097 and we can make it over the finish line. 520 00:22:12,097 --> 00:22:12,898 The vision 521 00:22:12,898 --> 00:22:16,268 for the cross connection originated like 50 years ago, 522 00:22:17,135 --> 00:22:20,038 and and thanks to the tenacity 523 00:22:20,038 --> 00:22:23,742 and resilience of so many partners in this region, 524 00:22:24,309 --> 00:22:25,577 we made it happen. 525 00:22:25,577 --> 00:22:27,346 First light rail on a floating bridge. 526 00:22:27,346 --> 00:22:28,313 That's pretty amazing. 527 00:22:29,648 --> 00:22:31,049 And I think 528 00:22:31,049 --> 00:22:32,517 another thing that the last couple years 529 00:22:32,517 --> 00:22:34,720 have shown is if you build it, they will come. Right. 530 00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:35,821 It was so amazing 531 00:22:35,821 --> 00:22:38,623 seeing the size of the crowds on opening day. 532 00:22:38,623 --> 00:22:39,958 People were lined up for hours 533 00:22:39,958 --> 00:22:42,627 just to ride the train across the lake. 534 00:22:42,627 --> 00:22:42,861 There was a 535 00:22:42,861 --> 00:22:44,563 no Kings rally the same day and people 536 00:22:44,563 --> 00:22:46,064 were seeing the light rail crowds and were like, 537 00:22:46,064 --> 00:22:47,132 is this the No Kings rally? 538 00:22:47,132 --> 00:22:49,468 So it was it was just really amazing 539 00:22:49,468 --> 00:22:51,203 to see that enthusiasm for transit. 540 00:22:51,203 --> 00:22:53,538 So, I mean, despite the challenges 541 00:22:53,538 --> 00:22:56,541 that we're facing right now with the 542 00:22:56,541 --> 00:22:58,910 with our funding gap, I'm actually really hopeful 543 00:22:58,910 --> 00:23:00,479 because I think like rooms like this one 544 00:23:00,479 --> 00:23:02,614 give me hope because I can see 545 00:23:02,614 --> 00:23:04,950 the excitement for transit, the support for transit. 546 00:23:04,950 --> 00:23:07,085 And I'm convinced that we have the right people 547 00:23:07,085 --> 00:23:09,020 at the table to make this thing work. 548 00:23:09,621 --> 00:23:13,458 (applause) 549 00:23:15,961 --> 00:23:18,897 -It's incredibly inspiring to watch the connection 550 00:23:18,897 --> 00:23:20,565 get connected by rail. 551 00:23:20,565 --> 00:23:23,535 You know, when I look at we were able to open 552 00:23:23,535 --> 00:23:24,569 a light rail station in 553 00:23:24,569 --> 00:23:27,906 Snohomish County, which is a really big deal. 554 00:23:27,906 --> 00:23:30,142 We've got to get down to Pierce County next. 555 00:23:30,142 --> 00:23:31,443 I'll just share a story. 556 00:23:31,443 --> 00:23:33,345 My grandma lived in Redmond. 557 00:23:33,345 --> 00:23:37,883 My mom grew up out there and in 2009 and 2010, 558 00:23:37,883 --> 00:23:38,850 I say, Grandma, one day I'm 559 00:23:38,850 --> 00:23:41,253 going to be riding the light rail out to see you. 560 00:23:41,253 --> 00:23:42,788 She said, I'll be dead by then. 561 00:23:42,788 --> 00:23:46,024 And unfortunately, she was. But 562 00:23:47,359 --> 00:23:48,627 I love you, Grandma Jo. 563 00:23:48,627 --> 00:23:52,531 And you know, there's still that connection 564 00:23:52,531 --> 00:23:55,467 that I get to ride the light rail out. 565 00:23:55,467 --> 00:23:58,069 And, you know, it's in view of the house 566 00:23:58,069 --> 00:23:59,938 that my mom grew up in, Right? 567 00:23:59,938 --> 00:24:02,641 That I go to Northgate. It's the closest station. 568 00:24:02,641 --> 00:24:04,676 It's the most accessible station to me. 569 00:24:05,911 --> 00:24:07,712 And I get that one seat ride 570 00:24:07,712 --> 00:24:09,948 out to the town that my mom grew up in. Right. 571 00:24:09,948 --> 00:24:11,917 That feels so far away. 572 00:24:11,917 --> 00:24:14,486 When there's congestion on 520, 573 00:24:14,486 --> 00:24:17,189 it feels so far away on those Thanksgiving days 574 00:24:17,189 --> 00:24:19,424 where the bridge closes down. Right. 575 00:24:19,424 --> 00:24:21,393 But now it feels so much closer 576 00:24:21,393 --> 00:24:23,128 because I have a one seat ride. 577 00:24:23,128 --> 00:24:24,629 And, you know, 578 00:24:24,629 --> 00:24:26,097 I never thought I'd be somebody 579 00:24:26,097 --> 00:24:26,665 that would 580 00:24:26,665 --> 00:24:29,668 take the train to the suburbs to go out for dinner. 581 00:24:29,734 --> 00:24:31,636 But that's what the connection up to 582 00:24:31,636 --> 00:24:34,072 Snohomish County has created for me is. 583 00:24:34,072 --> 00:24:37,309 I've gone out to the suburbs for dinner using the train. 584 00:24:37,309 --> 00:24:40,312 So it does go both ways. 585 00:24:44,015 --> 00:24:45,884 -That the last couple of years show 586 00:24:45,884 --> 00:24:47,853 that we're an amazing region 587 00:24:47,853 --> 00:24:51,389 that can do amazing things, things that no other society 588 00:24:51,389 --> 00:24:52,757 in human history has ever done. 589 00:24:52,757 --> 00:24:54,626 As the mayor pointed out. 590 00:24:54,626 --> 00:24:57,629 And so I think we need to build these damn trains. 591 00:24:57,629 --> 00:24:58,630 I think we need to 592 00:25:00,031 --> 00:25:02,400 truly show 593 00:25:02,400 --> 00:25:05,036 that we can accomplish really hard things. 594 00:25:05,036 --> 00:25:06,438 And I think that these last 595 00:25:06,438 --> 00:25:08,540 couple of years show what our values are. 596 00:25:08,540 --> 00:25:10,208 And our values are a region 597 00:25:10,208 --> 00:25:11,076 that's committed to 598 00:25:11,076 --> 00:25:14,679 the environment, to mobility, to economic opportunity, 599 00:25:14,913 --> 00:25:16,648 and to showing up for each other. 600 00:25:16,648 --> 00:25:18,583 When I look around this room, I just see 601 00:25:18,583 --> 00:25:21,686 all kinds of people from every single corner 602 00:25:21,686 --> 00:25:23,622 of our three county mega region 603 00:25:23,622 --> 00:25:25,223 showing up for each other, 604 00:25:25,223 --> 00:25:27,058 showing up for the type of society 605 00:25:27,058 --> 00:25:29,127 that we want to leave behind for our children 606 00:25:29,127 --> 00:25:30,262 and their children's children. 607 00:25:30,262 --> 00:25:32,097 So thank you all for your commitment. 608 00:25:32,097 --> 00:25:34,432 Thank you, TC, for hosting us today. 609 00:25:34,432 --> 00:25:37,435 Thank you to our colleagues for being here as well. 610 00:25:38,470 --> 00:25:39,704 -Clap for that. 611 00:25:39,704 --> 00:25:42,407 (applause) 612 00:25:42,574 --> 00:25:43,642 Well, good evening. 613 00:25:43,642 --> 00:25:45,143 Thank you so much for hosting us. 614 00:25:45,143 --> 00:25:47,479 I'm happy to be here and so happy 615 00:25:47,479 --> 00:25:49,648 to have been part of the celebration 616 00:25:49,648 --> 00:25:53,184 for the crossing across the pond to the other side 617 00:25:53,184 --> 00:25:56,187 and then to actually have the opportunity to write it 618 00:25:56,221 --> 00:26:00,191 a week and a half later where we saw our community 619 00:26:00,191 --> 00:26:03,194 come out in full force on a beautiful Sunday or 620 00:26:03,228 --> 00:26:03,995 sunny day. 621 00:26:03,995 --> 00:26:04,829 And then they showed up 622 00:26:04,829 --> 00:26:06,831 even when it was raining, because this is now 623 00:26:06,831 --> 00:26:08,900 the reliable way to get to work. 624 00:26:08,900 --> 00:26:12,404 I'm talking about West Seattle Sunset signs up to 625 00:26:12,971 --> 00:26:16,308 to to to make the point of why this is so important. 626 00:26:16,308 --> 00:26:16,608 Right. 627 00:26:16,608 --> 00:26:17,042 It's not just 628 00:26:17,042 --> 00:26:20,245 about getting people back and forth back in front 629 00:26:20,812 --> 00:26:24,249 excuse me, to and from work and places of employment. 630 00:26:24,249 --> 00:26:26,151 This is about making sure that people have access 631 00:26:26,151 --> 00:26:27,586 to the amenities they need. 632 00:26:27,586 --> 00:26:29,821 On a Sunday, I had a health appointment 633 00:26:29,821 --> 00:26:31,122 scheduled at Kaiser 634 00:26:31,122 --> 00:26:33,358 in Bellevue because it was the only place 635 00:26:33,358 --> 00:26:35,160 I could get a screening that I needed. 636 00:26:35,160 --> 00:26:36,328 It was in the afternoon 637 00:26:36,328 --> 00:26:38,163 and I was going to pick up my kid 638 00:26:38,163 --> 00:26:40,198 from her dance class in West Seattle, 639 00:26:40,198 --> 00:26:41,299 and we were on our way 640 00:26:41,299 --> 00:26:42,601 there, picked her up 641 00:26:42,601 --> 00:26:44,636 at dance class, and they said she had a tumble. 642 00:26:44,636 --> 00:26:46,571 She might need to get her neck checked out. 643 00:26:46,571 --> 00:26:50,308 I was like, We're actually on our way to Kaiser. 644 00:26:50,575 --> 00:26:51,743 And so we were able to 645 00:26:51,743 --> 00:26:55,647 take her to the urgent care riding light rail 646 00:26:55,747 --> 00:26:57,182 and everything was fine. 647 00:26:57,182 --> 00:26:58,416 She did a little somersault 648 00:26:58,416 --> 00:27:00,151 without bending her neck enough, 649 00:27:00,151 --> 00:27:02,420 but she was the one who wanted to go to the doctor. 650 00:27:02,420 --> 00:27:05,657 And we were able to get to this amenity, a health care 651 00:27:05,657 --> 00:27:08,827 clinic that was needed by using light rail. 652 00:27:08,827 --> 00:27:12,197 Now, it will be awesome when we can get on light rail 653 00:27:12,197 --> 00:27:14,199 in West Seattle and make that connection 654 00:27:14,199 --> 00:27:16,034 and get all the way to the east side. 655 00:27:16,034 --> 00:27:18,670 But it was really great being able to take each line 656 00:27:18,670 --> 00:27:22,040 downtown, get on light rail and get out there on time, 657 00:27:22,040 --> 00:27:24,075 even actually early for my appointment. 658 00:27:24,075 --> 00:27:26,578 And she got in right away and everything was great. 659 00:27:26,578 --> 00:27:27,846 And to the mayor's point, 660 00:27:27,846 --> 00:27:29,381 they said it couldn't be done. 661 00:27:29,381 --> 00:27:32,183 They said multiple hurdles were going to be in the way. 662 00:27:32,183 --> 00:27:33,785 And yet we built the train. 663 00:27:33,785 --> 00:27:35,186 It's connected, it's running 664 00:27:35,186 --> 00:27:36,721 and it's connecting communities now. 665 00:27:36,721 --> 00:27:37,656 So let's keep doing it. 666 00:27:38,256 --> 00:27:41,092 (applause) 667 00:27:41,092 --> 00:27:41,526 (applause) 668 00:27:41,526 --> 00:27:42,861 -Let's go. 669 00:27:42,861 --> 00:27:45,997 I'm so glad everyone was okay. I 670 00:27:47,098 --> 00:27:50,502 you you for as board members have to balance dual 671 00:27:50,502 --> 00:27:53,705 responsibilities one a fiscal responsibility 672 00:27:53,705 --> 00:27:55,140 and the other 673 00:27:55,140 --> 00:27:58,143 to deliver on the vision that voters approved. 674 00:27:58,243 --> 00:27:59,511 I'm curious, how do you balance 675 00:27:59,511 --> 00:28:01,446 protecting that vision while working 676 00:28:01,446 --> 00:28:03,548 within very real fiscal constraints? 677 00:28:04,649 --> 00:28:06,651 Anyone want to take that first? 678 00:28:08,720 --> 00:28:10,655 Okay, do it. 679 00:28:10,655 --> 00:28:12,691 -So there is the real constraint 680 00:28:12,691 --> 00:28:14,693 of having to have a balanced, 681 00:28:14,693 --> 00:28:16,227 what, 20 year fiscal outlook. 682 00:28:16,227 --> 00:28:17,729 But the reality is doesn't 683 00:28:17,729 --> 00:28:19,497 apply to most of our jurisdictions. 684 00:28:19,497 --> 00:28:21,132 Most of us look at a capital improvement 685 00:28:21,132 --> 00:28:23,835 project watch list over a six year period. 686 00:28:23,835 --> 00:28:25,136 You go to the state legislature 687 00:28:25,136 --> 00:28:26,337 and they have a capital budget 688 00:28:26,337 --> 00:28:28,239 that looks out over a six year period. 689 00:28:28,239 --> 00:28:29,274 I think if we were having 690 00:28:29,274 --> 00:28:31,409 a conversation about a six year period, 691 00:28:31,409 --> 00:28:33,545 all of this lines that we want to see 692 00:28:33,545 --> 00:28:35,880 built would be on that six year plan. 693 00:28:35,880 --> 00:28:38,016 And yet we're restrained by this 20 year plan, 694 00:28:38,016 --> 00:28:39,484 which I think we can probably work 695 00:28:39,484 --> 00:28:41,986 on some amendments to fix in the near future. 696 00:28:41,986 --> 00:28:43,521 I also think 697 00:28:44,689 --> 00:28:47,692 as as the chair and the 698 00:28:48,159 --> 00:28:50,762 board considers the proposal in front of us, 699 00:28:50,762 --> 00:28:52,697 we know that we have these 700 00:28:52,697 --> 00:28:55,066 legal restraints to look at a balanced plan 701 00:28:55,066 --> 00:28:56,501 over this 20 year period. 702 00:28:56,501 --> 00:28:58,903 But really our message must be 703 00:28:58,903 --> 00:29:03,208 yes and yes, we are going to build all of these lines. 704 00:29:03,208 --> 00:29:05,343 Yes, we are going to create the infill stations. 705 00:29:05,343 --> 00:29:07,045 Yes, we're going to create the spine. 706 00:29:07,045 --> 00:29:08,780 And yes, we are going to make sure 707 00:29:08,780 --> 00:29:10,482 that the extensions that were committed here 708 00:29:10,482 --> 00:29:13,918 in Sound Transit in Seattle are committed to 709 00:29:14,185 --> 00:29:16,988 and that we know we can do this 710 00:29:16,988 --> 00:29:18,289 if we have additional revenue. 711 00:29:18,289 --> 00:29:20,058 So, yes, we're going to do it 712 00:29:20,058 --> 00:29:22,260 and we need the financing tools 713 00:29:22,260 --> 00:29:23,828 to be able to make it possible. 714 00:29:23,828 --> 00:29:25,930 You actually saw a slide from Alex 715 00:29:25,930 --> 00:29:28,333 that showed what some of those financing tools are. 716 00:29:28,333 --> 00:29:30,468 We have them at our disposal and we should be 717 00:29:30,468 --> 00:29:32,971 deploying them right now to make this pencil 718 00:29:32,971 --> 00:29:36,307 that is the rental car tax that's using debt capacity 719 00:29:36,307 --> 00:29:37,475 that Sound Transit has, 720 00:29:37,475 --> 00:29:38,109 frankly, that's 721 00:29:38,109 --> 00:29:39,477 looking at other jurisdictions 722 00:29:39,477 --> 00:29:40,812 around this region to see what other 723 00:29:40,812 --> 00:29:43,448 debt capacity we might be able to lend. 724 00:29:43,448 --> 00:29:44,649 And then it is going 725 00:29:44,649 --> 00:29:47,819 to Olympia with a clear plan showing what the delta 726 00:29:47,819 --> 00:29:50,155 in terms of dollars is to the state legislature 727 00:29:50,155 --> 00:29:53,925 and asking with clarity what the 75 year bonds 728 00:29:53,925 --> 00:29:57,162 bill can fund and ask them to pass that next year. 729 00:29:57,362 --> 00:30:00,365 And finally, it is saying yes to all of these lines. 730 00:30:00,465 --> 00:30:03,568 And when we say yes as a board and advanced design, 731 00:30:03,735 --> 00:30:05,637 we will see additional cost savings 732 00:30:05,637 --> 00:30:09,440 like the $2.6 billion with a B that was shaved 733 00:30:09,440 --> 00:30:10,608 off of West Seattle 734 00:30:10,608 --> 00:30:12,844 in just a six month period, thanks to the board's 735 00:30:12,844 --> 00:30:15,446 authorization to find additional cost savings. 736 00:30:15,446 --> 00:30:18,716 So it's yes and yes, build all the lines. 737 00:30:18,716 --> 00:30:21,519 Yes, build the infill station and let's commit 738 00:30:21,519 --> 00:30:24,055 to using those financing tools to make it possible. 739 00:30:24,823 --> 00:30:32,864 (applause) 740 00:30:32,864 --> 00:30:34,132 -So I will say yes. 741 00:30:34,132 --> 00:30:37,869 And to that right, which is, 742 00:30:38,203 --> 00:30:38,903 you know, in the 743 00:30:38,903 --> 00:30:43,007 not so distant past, we had realignment in 2021 744 00:30:43,274 --> 00:30:45,376 that only used one of the levers, 745 00:30:45,376 --> 00:30:48,479 which was to reduce the capital scope of the program. 746 00:30:48,813 --> 00:30:51,583 And what I'm heartened by with the Enterprise 747 00:30:51,583 --> 00:30:52,650 initiative move 748 00:30:52,650 --> 00:30:54,853 is that we are looking at our planning, 749 00:30:54,853 --> 00:30:56,521 we're looking at our financial tools, 750 00:30:56,521 --> 00:30:58,857 we're looking at our operations 751 00:30:58,857 --> 00:31:01,860 as well as our capital scope. 752 00:31:01,860 --> 00:31:06,898 And it is also important that we fully use 753 00:31:06,898 --> 00:31:08,633 those three other levers 754 00:31:08,633 --> 00:31:11,636 before we start reducing the capital scope. 755 00:31:11,970 --> 00:31:14,339 To Councilmember Mosqueda's Point, 756 00:31:14,339 --> 00:31:17,675 if we were operating with slightly different variables 757 00:31:17,675 --> 00:31:19,611 six years instead of 20, 758 00:31:19,611 --> 00:31:22,614 we would still be in a good financial situation. 759 00:31:22,780 --> 00:31:25,316 We have good parameters at Sound Transit 760 00:31:25,316 --> 00:31:27,218 that say we are. 761 00:31:27,218 --> 00:31:28,453 We understand 762 00:31:28,453 --> 00:31:31,623 that there is a funding gap in a decade from now 763 00:31:32,257 --> 00:31:34,893 and it's really good for us to be here 764 00:31:34,893 --> 00:31:37,962 having this conversation about what that problem 765 00:31:37,962 --> 00:31:41,165 is on the horizon so that we can save it today. 766 00:31:41,399 --> 00:31:43,801 But where my concern is right now is that we are 767 00:31:43,801 --> 00:31:47,338 cutting things off the map before we've fully utilized 768 00:31:47,338 --> 00:31:48,640 all of these other tools. 769 00:31:50,275 --> 00:31:55,513 (applause) 770 00:31:56,314 --> 00:31:58,216 -I agree with everything I've heard 771 00:31:58,616 --> 00:32:01,552 that the question is not whether we build the trains. 772 00:32:01,552 --> 00:32:03,922 The only question in front of us is how. 773 00:32:03,922 --> 00:32:06,324 It's not whether we build, it's how we build. 774 00:32:06,324 --> 00:32:09,160 And to me, that means holding those two ideas 775 00:32:09,160 --> 00:32:09,928 that you said that 776 00:32:09,928 --> 00:32:12,163 we're going to advance all of the projects 777 00:32:12,163 --> 00:32:15,166 and we're going to do it in a fiscally responsible way. 778 00:32:15,466 --> 00:32:17,435 And advancing all the projects means 779 00:32:17,435 --> 00:32:21,105 absolutely connecting our three county mega region. 780 00:32:21,439 --> 00:32:24,642 By completing the spine, it means building 781 00:32:24,642 --> 00:32:27,478 West Seattle and building West Seattle. 782 00:32:27,478 --> 00:32:29,280 The fiscal fiscally responsible 783 00:32:29,280 --> 00:32:30,415 fiscal responsibility 784 00:32:30,415 --> 00:32:32,483 there means building it as soon as possible, 785 00:32:32,483 --> 00:32:33,584 because we know that 786 00:32:33,584 --> 00:32:34,752 every day of delay 787 00:32:34,752 --> 00:32:37,588 adds millions of dollars of additional costs. 788 00:32:37,588 --> 00:32:39,090 Fiscally responsible 789 00:32:39,090 --> 00:32:41,893 for Ballard means completing the design 790 00:32:41,893 --> 00:32:44,429 so we can identify all of the cost savings 791 00:32:44,429 --> 00:32:47,065 that are needed to complete that project In the same way 792 00:32:47,065 --> 00:32:49,167 that Councilmember Mosqueda described, 793 00:32:49,167 --> 00:32:51,235 Sound Transit was able to identify 794 00:32:51,235 --> 00:32:53,271 a lot of cost savings with West Seattle 795 00:32:53,271 --> 00:32:54,806 because it's a shovel ready project, 796 00:32:54,806 --> 00:32:56,908 because all of that design and scoping 797 00:32:56,908 --> 00:32:58,176 had already been completed. 798 00:32:58,176 --> 00:32:59,877 We need to do the same thing 799 00:32:59,877 --> 00:33:01,379 with Ballard as soon as possible 800 00:33:01,379 --> 00:33:04,349 so we can get to Market Street as soon as possible. 801 00:33:04,549 --> 00:33:05,049 It means 802 00:33:05,616 --> 00:33:10,855 (applause) 803 00:33:11,656 --> 00:33:14,425 it means building both of those infill stations. 804 00:33:14,425 --> 00:33:16,294 I know my friends from Grand Street 805 00:33:16,294 --> 00:33:18,096 and Boeing Access Road are here, but 806 00:33:18,096 --> 00:33:19,931 (applause) 807 00:33:20,431 --> 00:33:22,400 absolutely, 808 00:33:22,400 --> 00:33:24,702 it means making sure that we're continuing 809 00:33:24,702 --> 00:33:25,670 to complete the design. 810 00:33:25,670 --> 00:33:28,773 Also for the four line out in Issaquah in South Kirkland, 811 00:33:29,040 --> 00:33:30,508 we need to do all of it. 812 00:33:30,508 --> 00:33:33,211 We need to advance all of these projects 813 00:33:33,211 --> 00:33:35,646 and then we need to leave no stone unturned 814 00:33:35,646 --> 00:33:36,114 in terms 815 00:33:36,114 --> 00:33:39,117 of finding the financing, finding the partnerships, 816 00:33:39,117 --> 00:33:40,518 advocating to Olympia. 817 00:33:40,518 --> 00:33:42,754 And again, when we advocate to Olympia, 818 00:33:42,754 --> 00:33:45,423 we all have to come as a unified front, right? 819 00:33:45,423 --> 00:33:46,991 We can't be parochial. 820 00:33:46,991 --> 00:33:48,259 We can't be this corner 821 00:33:48,259 --> 00:33:50,094 of King County, that corner of Pierce. 822 00:33:50,094 --> 00:33:51,896 We all have to come together. 823 00:33:51,896 --> 00:33:53,064 And that's what it looks like 824 00:33:53,064 --> 00:33:55,099 to be committed to that vision 825 00:33:55,099 --> 00:33:57,101 that we have of advancing all the projects 826 00:33:57,101 --> 00:33:59,504 and making sure that we find the money to do so. 827 00:34:00,471 --> 00:34:04,242 (applause) 828 00:34:05,877 --> 00:34:06,310 -Okay. 829 00:34:06,310 --> 00:34:08,513 So I'm just going to add my voice to the choir here. 830 00:34:08,513 --> 00:34:11,983 So I started my organizing here in Seattle 831 00:34:12,316 --> 00:34:15,319 as an organizer and advocate for public transit, and 832 00:34:15,753 --> 00:34:17,488 I was one among thousands of people, 833 00:34:17,488 --> 00:34:19,557 including many people in this room here, 834 00:34:19,557 --> 00:34:22,226 who pushed to get stage three passed. 835 00:34:22,226 --> 00:34:22,960 And now, as mayor, 836 00:34:22,960 --> 00:34:26,497 I'm committed to delivering on that vision. Yes. 837 00:34:26,631 --> 00:34:28,900 (applause) 838 00:34:29,367 --> 00:34:33,204 So so so what does that mean for us here in North King? 839 00:34:33,204 --> 00:34:35,006 First of all, it means I wanted to get us 840 00:34:35,006 --> 00:34:37,241 started on building West Seattle this year. 841 00:34:37,241 --> 00:34:40,244 This is a shovel ready, shovel ready projects. 842 00:34:41,145 --> 00:34:43,314 It's a shovel ready project, and we cannot risk 843 00:34:43,314 --> 00:34:44,382 losing momentum. 844 00:34:44,382 --> 00:34:46,050 It is important that we get those shovels 845 00:34:46,050 --> 00:34:48,419 in the ground that we begin to deliver 846 00:34:48,419 --> 00:34:50,188 on that project on the station 847 00:34:50,188 --> 00:34:53,491 so that people can really see that we are moving forward 848 00:34:53,491 --> 00:34:55,359 because that is what is going to just increase 849 00:34:55,359 --> 00:34:55,793 the faith 850 00:34:55,793 --> 00:34:58,196 of the public in this agency's ability to deliver 851 00:34:58,196 --> 00:34:59,664 and is going to build on the momentum 852 00:34:59,664 --> 00:35:00,865 for us to get whatever 853 00:35:00,865 --> 00:35:04,335 other tools we need in order to complete the whole thing. 854 00:35:05,036 --> 00:35:06,637 It also means that we move 855 00:35:06,637 --> 00:35:09,207 forward and we do not stop until we get to Market Street. 856 00:35:09,440 --> 00:35:14,512 (applause) 857 00:35:14,512 --> 00:35:16,647 I want the FDA 858 00:35:16,647 --> 00:35:19,617 to release the DEIS that is now two years late 859 00:35:20,218 --> 00:35:22,720 so that we can keep advancing toward a final design. 860 00:35:22,720 --> 00:35:24,455 We can find those cost savings again, 861 00:35:24,455 --> 00:35:26,491 just like we did in Seattle, 862 00:35:26,491 --> 00:35:28,126 and we can get a shovel ready plan, 863 00:35:28,126 --> 00:35:30,428 ready to build all the way to markets 864 00:35:30,428 --> 00:35:32,063 Market Street in the next three years. 865 00:35:32,063 --> 00:35:35,066 The plan, not the building, but we'll get there. 866 00:35:35,333 --> 00:35:37,802 So I am committed and I think all of us up here 867 00:35:37,802 --> 00:35:38,970 are committed 868 00:35:38,970 --> 00:35:40,438 to getting construction 869 00:35:40,438 --> 00:35:42,807 started on Ballard as soon as possible. 870 00:35:42,807 --> 00:35:45,510 And it means that we deliver Grand Street, 871 00:35:45,510 --> 00:35:48,246 Grand Street to the Rainier Valley and their three decade 872 00:35:48,246 --> 00:35:50,348 wait for that station. 873 00:35:50,348 --> 00:35:55,586 (applause) 874 00:35:55,586 --> 00:35:57,288 And all of this does not work 875 00:35:57,288 --> 00:35:59,023 If we are pitting our region 876 00:35:59,023 --> 00:36:01,225 against the other regions. I'm also committed 877 00:36:01,225 --> 00:36:02,760 to delivering for the whole region. 878 00:36:02,760 --> 00:36:05,229 I want to see us finish that spine 879 00:36:05,229 --> 00:36:06,597 and make those connections. 880 00:36:06,597 --> 00:36:08,699 All the region, all the way from Everett to Tacoma. 881 00:36:09,000 --> 00:36:13,271 (applause) 882 00:36:13,271 --> 00:36:14,705 And we know that we have work 883 00:36:14,705 --> 00:36:16,274 to do to make all of that possible. 884 00:36:16,274 --> 00:36:16,841 So I think it is 885 00:36:16,841 --> 00:36:19,510 very important that we understand that 886 00:36:19,510 --> 00:36:22,313 the Enterprise initiative, the the quote unquote plan 887 00:36:22,313 --> 00:36:24,782 that we are going to be voting on is a board 888 00:36:24,782 --> 00:36:28,052 that is not an expression of what we are going to build. 889 00:36:28,052 --> 00:36:29,420 That is just a starting point. 890 00:36:29,420 --> 00:36:31,589 And that is what is going to allow us to do that. 891 00:36:31,589 --> 00:36:33,858 Planning to find those cost savings 892 00:36:33,858 --> 00:36:36,260 to go to Olympia, get our bond authority 893 00:36:36,260 --> 00:36:37,828 to get whatever new financing 894 00:36:37,828 --> 00:36:40,064 we need and to build the damn trains. 895 00:36:40,064 --> 00:36:45,836 (applause and cheering) 896 00:36:45,836 --> 00:36:47,205 -If you don't have a teacher yet, 897 00:36:47,205 --> 00:36:48,272 we need to get you all one. 898 00:36:48,272 --> 00:36:50,608 So I. 899 00:36:50,608 --> 00:36:51,776 Councilmember Mosqueda, 900 00:36:51,776 --> 00:36:53,411 I believe the Mayor might have stolen 901 00:36:53,411 --> 00:36:55,947 your thunder on this a little bit, but 902 00:36:55,947 --> 00:36:58,816 West Seattle Link just passed a huge milestone 903 00:36:58,816 --> 00:37:00,051 with a wonky term. 904 00:37:00,051 --> 00:37:02,420 It has a record of decision. 905 00:37:02,420 --> 00:37:04,422 And we've seen at the two town 906 00:37:04,422 --> 00:37:06,090 halls that you've hosted in West Seattle 907 00:37:06,090 --> 00:37:08,259 that Sound Transit has reduced the cost 908 00:37:08,259 --> 00:37:10,895 on that project through creative engineering. 909 00:37:10,895 --> 00:37:11,596 Can you just share 910 00:37:11,596 --> 00:37:13,598 what these milestones mean for West Seattle? 911 00:37:14,432 --> 00:37:16,200 -Well, let's see. 912 00:37:16,200 --> 00:37:17,368 First of all, as you can tell, 913 00:37:17,368 --> 00:37:20,071 there's no turf, there's no stealing. 914 00:37:20,071 --> 00:37:21,339 We're all in this together. 915 00:37:21,339 --> 00:37:23,107 And I think that's the point of these forums 916 00:37:23,107 --> 00:37:25,376 to show people that we want the connection 917 00:37:25,376 --> 00:37:27,044 across our three counties 918 00:37:27,044 --> 00:37:29,213 and we want to continue to deliver lines 919 00:37:29,213 --> 00:37:32,016 that we don't want things to be in a category of 920 00:37:32,016 --> 00:37:36,053 unaffordable or delayed or deferred. 921 00:37:36,053 --> 00:37:37,188 We want them to be 922 00:37:37,188 --> 00:37:39,890 on the list and we're committed to doing so. 923 00:37:39,890 --> 00:37:41,792 So I think how we talk about it 924 00:37:41,792 --> 00:37:44,729 and recognizing that there is work to do 925 00:37:44,729 --> 00:37:47,098 on the financing tools. Absolutely. 926 00:37:47,098 --> 00:37:49,300 But the commitment, the vision, the values 927 00:37:49,300 --> 00:37:51,102 to making sure that we carry through 928 00:37:51,102 --> 00:37:53,437 that needs to be the take away at the end of the month. 929 00:37:53,437 --> 00:37:55,306 So I'm really optimistic. 930 00:37:55,306 --> 00:37:56,107 If you look at West 931 00:37:56,107 --> 00:37:56,907 Seattle and again, 932 00:37:56,907 --> 00:37:58,242 I give credit to my colleagues 933 00:37:58,242 --> 00:37:59,477 who've been on the sound 934 00:37:59,477 --> 00:38:01,112 transit board longer than I have. 935 00:38:01,112 --> 00:38:02,880 I came in three and a half months ago, 936 00:38:02,880 --> 00:38:04,682 but for about three years, three 937 00:38:04,682 --> 00:38:06,884 and a half years, we've been asking, 938 00:38:06,884 --> 00:38:08,452 we must be able to do something. 939 00:38:08,452 --> 00:38:10,554 We must be able to deliver out to West Seattle. 940 00:38:10,554 --> 00:38:11,622 We have workers out there. 941 00:38:11,622 --> 00:38:13,591 We have density in terms of renters 942 00:38:13,591 --> 00:38:15,526 and workers and desire 943 00:38:15,526 --> 00:38:17,795 to leave cars at home and get connected 944 00:38:17,795 --> 00:38:19,797 to the rest of the community, as well as people 945 00:38:19,797 --> 00:38:21,899 who want to come out to West Seattle. 946 00:38:21,899 --> 00:38:25,236 And when the board authorized the staff 947 00:38:25,436 --> 00:38:26,337 to go forth 948 00:38:26,337 --> 00:38:29,340 and find additional cost savings by advancing design, 949 00:38:29,540 --> 00:38:32,810 they saved $2.6 billion off of the cost. 950 00:38:32,810 --> 00:38:36,213 Again, they did this by deciding to tunnel 951 00:38:36,213 --> 00:38:39,583 underneath from Del Ridge up to the junction. 952 00:38:39,717 --> 00:38:41,285 And if you've been there before, 953 00:38:41,285 --> 00:38:43,321 you'll be happy to know that the 954 00:38:43,321 --> 00:38:46,357 the vast majority of houses and businesses 955 00:38:46,524 --> 00:38:49,193 will be preserved by being able to tunnel 956 00:38:49,193 --> 00:38:53,597 or saving businesses and homes, maintaining ridership 957 00:38:53,698 --> 00:38:57,301 and delivering Sound Transit to West Seattle. 958 00:38:57,535 --> 00:38:58,869 Now, I think that that's 959 00:38:58,869 --> 00:38:59,937 a part of the vision 960 00:38:59,937 --> 00:39:01,939 of what we want to see accomplished in places 961 00:39:01,939 --> 00:39:03,140 like Ballard and places 962 00:39:03,140 --> 00:39:05,476 like Issaquah and places across the region 963 00:39:05,476 --> 00:39:07,578 that want to see additional cost savings 964 00:39:07,578 --> 00:39:10,448 and ultimately ridership maintained 965 00:39:10,448 --> 00:39:12,049 and trains delivered. 966 00:39:12,049 --> 00:39:13,417 And so when we think about 967 00:39:13,417 --> 00:39:15,553 what is possible in West Seattle, folks, 968 00:39:15,553 --> 00:39:16,687 it will mean that 969 00:39:16,687 --> 00:39:19,190 if the board authorizes the go ahead here 970 00:39:19,190 --> 00:39:19,957 we literally, 971 00:39:19,957 --> 00:39:20,858 as the mayor said, 972 00:39:20,858 --> 00:39:23,928 can have shovels in the ground in 90 days. 973 00:39:24,095 --> 00:39:25,830 That means projects can get underway. 974 00:39:25,830 --> 00:39:27,698 That means folks can start planning. 975 00:39:27,698 --> 00:39:29,567 That means businesses can have clarity. 976 00:39:29,567 --> 00:39:31,836 And just a small point to add to this, 977 00:39:31,836 --> 00:39:33,037 because I know Councilmember Strauss 978 00:39:33,037 --> 00:39:34,672 and I are of the same mind of this. 979 00:39:34,672 --> 00:39:36,340 And as we authorize, 980 00:39:36,340 --> 00:39:38,376 we need to be supporting small businesses 981 00:39:38,376 --> 00:39:40,711 to stay in place as long as possible, 982 00:39:40,711 --> 00:39:42,747 to prevent areas from becoming ghost towns, 983 00:39:42,747 --> 00:39:44,682 to offer things like protective rent, 984 00:39:44,682 --> 00:39:46,584 to keep people there as long as possible. 985 00:39:46,584 --> 00:39:48,386 And I'm going to keep working to see 986 00:39:48,386 --> 00:39:50,187 if we can change our laws to then have 987 00:39:50,187 --> 00:39:52,556 right of first opportunity to come back 988 00:39:52,556 --> 00:39:54,125 to transit oriented development 989 00:39:54,125 --> 00:39:56,560 to the stations to be able to serve coffee 990 00:39:56,560 --> 00:39:59,597 and maybe your afternoon evening beer 991 00:39:59,697 --> 00:40:02,666 and maybe get your kiddos less music lessons 992 00:40:02,767 --> 00:40:04,702 and be able to have a little concert venue 993 00:40:04,702 --> 00:40:05,469 in the places 994 00:40:05,469 --> 00:40:08,472 that we're creating and child care and housing. 995 00:40:08,639 --> 00:40:09,874 That's what we ought to be doing 996 00:40:09,874 --> 00:40:12,209 to preserve the small business support 997 00:40:12,209 --> 00:40:14,278 and also to be able to deliver light rail. 998 00:40:14,278 --> 00:40:16,247 So I think the vision of what is possible 999 00:40:16,247 --> 00:40:18,949 is really coming true in West Seattle. 1000 00:40:18,949 --> 00:40:21,619 If we're able to deliver the line as staff has 1001 00:40:21,619 --> 00:40:22,286 realigned it. 1002 00:40:22,853 --> 00:40:27,925 (applause) 1003 00:40:28,926 --> 00:40:30,294 -Councilmember Strauss, 1004 00:40:30,294 --> 00:40:33,130 you were popularly known as the Mayor of Ballard. 1005 00:40:33,130 --> 00:40:35,099 You are a champion for this neighborhood. 1006 00:40:35,099 --> 00:40:37,034 At every corner. 1007 00:40:37,034 --> 00:40:39,303 But when we saw from the three alternatives 1008 00:40:39,303 --> 00:40:41,005 that were proposed at the border treat, 1009 00:40:41,005 --> 00:40:43,407 none of them got the line to Ballard. 1010 00:40:43,407 --> 00:40:45,109 What does that mean for the neighborhood? 1011 00:40:45,109 --> 00:40:48,112 And how are you going to get Ballard back on the map? 1012 00:40:48,646 --> 00:40:51,148 -Oh, it's bad. 1013 00:40:51,148 --> 00:40:51,816 It's really bad. 1014 00:40:51,816 --> 00:40:53,451 And frankly, it's politely, 1015 00:40:53,451 --> 00:40:56,454 as I can put it, it's unacceptable. 1016 00:40:56,554 --> 00:40:59,590 Ballard has changed, has increased its zoning. 1017 00:40:59,590 --> 00:41:02,593 But when we go through the comp plan, 1018 00:41:02,693 --> 00:41:05,129 including the regional center designation, 1019 00:41:05,129 --> 00:41:08,132 including the map zoning changes, 1020 00:41:08,165 --> 00:41:09,633 by the time we get through comp plan, 1021 00:41:09,633 --> 00:41:14,338 we will have increased zoning in Ballard four times 1022 00:41:14,572 --> 00:41:17,408 since Sound Transit three has passed. 1023 00:41:17,408 --> 00:41:20,578 And thank you for recognizing my mayorship, 1024 00:41:20,578 --> 00:41:22,079 but I'm also the Mayor of Magnolia. 1025 00:41:22,079 --> 00:41:24,081 Fremont Phinney, Green Lake, Greenwood, 1026 00:41:24,081 --> 00:41:26,951 Crown Hill, many other micro neighborhoods. 1027 00:41:26,951 --> 00:41:30,454 And I think what this whole conversation 1028 00:41:30,788 --> 00:41:34,225 is lacking for me is that we are talking 1029 00:41:34,225 --> 00:41:37,228 about reductions, not expansions. 1030 00:41:37,228 --> 00:41:40,464 We need to be talking real about City four 1031 00:41:40,731 --> 00:41:42,766 because when those tunnel boring machines... 1032 00:41:43,067 --> 00:41:45,703 (applause) 1033 00:41:45,703 --> 00:41:47,104 When those tunnel boring machines 1034 00:41:47,104 --> 00:41:48,606 come out of the ground 1035 00:41:48,606 --> 00:41:51,175 in West Seattle and at Market Street, 1036 00:41:51,175 --> 00:41:52,176 it's exponentially 1037 00:41:52,176 --> 00:41:53,911 more costly to get them back 1038 00:41:53,911 --> 00:41:55,980 in the ground and keep moving. 1039 00:41:55,980 --> 00:41:59,049 When I'm looking at Ballard, I'm looking at moving, 1040 00:41:59,183 --> 00:42:00,451 going up to Crown Hill, 1041 00:42:00,451 --> 00:42:02,920 going through Greenwood, getting back to North. 1042 00:42:02,920 --> 00:42:06,357 If I'm not working at Seattle Center 1043 00:42:07,191 --> 00:42:12,496 right, I'm looking at the 147,000 daily 1044 00:42:12,496 --> 00:42:16,200 reasons that Ballard Link extension needs to be built. 1045 00:42:16,467 --> 00:42:20,571 I'm looking at we didn't Sound Transit did not provide 1046 00:42:20,804 --> 00:42:24,108 an approach that maximized ridership if they had 1047 00:42:24,341 --> 00:42:26,010 they would be looking at the dollar 1048 00:42:26,010 --> 00:42:28,012 per rider figure that the Ballard 1049 00:42:28,012 --> 00:42:29,613 Link extension provides. 1050 00:42:29,613 --> 00:42:32,616 I'm looking at the fact that 1051 00:42:32,883 --> 00:42:35,486 we would be the only 1052 00:42:35,486 --> 00:42:37,788 Metropolitan regional center 1053 00:42:37,788 --> 00:42:41,058 in the Sound Transit zone that would not be connected 1054 00:42:41,058 --> 00:42:42,359 by link light rail. 1055 00:42:42,359 --> 00:42:45,229 This is understanding that we have to get this ever 1056 00:42:45,229 --> 00:42:48,299 in Tacoma. So this is bad. 1057 00:42:49,900 --> 00:42:51,535 What I'm looking for this week 1058 00:42:51,535 --> 00:42:54,872 is 100% design and a date 1059 00:42:54,872 --> 00:42:57,875 for construction to Ballard, 1060 00:42:57,942 --> 00:43:00,945 and that's a base minimum. 1061 00:43:00,978 --> 00:43:05,583 (applause) 1062 00:43:06,150 --> 00:43:08,752 Anything less than a date certain 1063 00:43:08,752 --> 00:43:12,089 and 100% design is a loss. 1064 00:43:12,489 --> 00:43:15,826 If we were able to go further to Smith Cove to drivers, 1065 00:43:16,060 --> 00:43:17,061 that's when we're getting into 1066 00:43:17,061 --> 00:43:19,129 counts of wins in this situation, 1067 00:43:19,129 --> 00:43:21,899 because we have to look at this as a total region. 1068 00:43:21,899 --> 00:43:23,334 We have to get to Snohomish, 1069 00:43:23,334 --> 00:43:25,936 we have to get to Everett, we have to get to Tacoma, 1070 00:43:25,936 --> 00:43:29,106 and we can't leave the only urban regional center 1071 00:43:29,506 --> 00:43:32,242 unconnected by Sound Transit. 1072 00:43:32,242 --> 00:43:35,245 And so that's the, you know, 1073 00:43:36,747 --> 00:43:39,617 the last thing that I'll say is that what I'm heartened 1074 00:43:39,617 --> 00:43:41,619 by with all of the expansions 1075 00:43:41,619 --> 00:43:44,388 is that each of the stations ridership 1076 00:43:44,388 --> 00:43:47,591 numbers are way higher than projected. 1077 00:43:48,525 --> 00:43:50,127 This is a really good thing. 1078 00:43:50,127 --> 00:43:51,028 And so when I say that 1079 00:43:51,028 --> 00:43:54,665 there's 147,000 daily reasons to get the Ballard, 1080 00:43:55,032 --> 00:43:57,234 I know that number is going to be double or triple. 1081 00:43:57,301 --> 00:44:04,041 (applause) 1082 00:44:06,410 --> 00:44:07,077 -Mayor Wilson, 1083 00:44:07,077 --> 00:44:10,047 my prof for this question just left the room 1084 00:44:10,848 --> 00:44:14,351 as as the beautiful sign that said Graham over there. 1085 00:44:14,418 --> 00:44:17,421 I know we still have some folks in the in the rooms 1086 00:44:18,288 --> 00:44:20,457 advocates their communities along the Rainier Valley 1087 00:44:20,457 --> 00:44:21,959 in the Martin Luther King Junior corridor. 1088 00:44:21,959 --> 00:44:23,661 I've been waiting a long time 1089 00:44:23,661 --> 00:44:26,664 for the promise investments like Graham Street. 1090 00:44:27,798 --> 00:44:29,099 I Seattleites 1091 00:44:29,099 --> 00:44:32,469 have voted for these in 2015 and 2016 for the move. 1092 00:44:32,469 --> 00:44:35,039 Seattle and Sound Transit three. 1093 00:44:35,039 --> 00:44:37,307 Where do you stand on delivering for those riders? 1094 00:44:37,307 --> 00:44:38,475 -Yeah, as I already said, 1095 00:44:38,475 --> 00:44:40,444 I am fully committed to making sure 1096 00:44:40,444 --> 00:44:42,680 that we deliver the Grand Street station. 1097 00:44:42,680 --> 00:44:46,750 It is long overdue and and really appreciate 1098 00:44:46,750 --> 00:44:50,587 all of the folks organizing a town hall rally next week. 1099 00:44:51,555 --> 00:44:54,558 And, you know, to me, this means that 1100 00:44:54,858 --> 00:44:55,459 we need, 1101 00:44:55,459 --> 00:44:56,326 you know, like Ballard, 1102 00:44:56,326 --> 00:44:57,061 we need a commitment 1103 00:44:57,061 --> 00:44:57,461 to get to 1104 00:44:57,461 --> 00:44:59,329 final design by ASAP 1105 00:44:59,329 --> 00:45:01,365 so that we can begin to find those cost savings 1106 00:45:01,365 --> 00:45:04,001 and understand what it's really going to cost. 1107 00:45:04,001 --> 00:45:04,635 And then, 1108 00:45:04,635 --> 00:45:06,970 you know, in my capacity as mayor, right, 1109 00:45:06,970 --> 00:45:08,739 the city is going to be a full partner 1110 00:45:08,739 --> 00:45:09,573 in figuring out 1111 00:45:09,573 --> 00:45:11,141 how we can get whatever, 1112 00:45:11,141 --> 00:45:11,341 you know, 1113 00:45:11,341 --> 00:45:13,377 if additional revenue is needed 1114 00:45:13,377 --> 00:45:15,179 to what's in SD three to make sure 1115 00:45:15,179 --> 00:45:16,814 that we secure that and that we build that 1116 00:45:16,814 --> 00:45:18,182 station as fast as possible. 1117 00:45:25,723 --> 00:45:26,790 Executive Zala 1118 00:45:26,790 --> 00:45:29,460 You are the only person on this panel 1119 00:45:29,460 --> 00:45:31,628 who represents more than one sub area. 1120 00:45:31,628 --> 00:45:33,430 You represent the eastern county sub area 1121 00:45:33,430 --> 00:45:35,699 and the south King County sub area. 1122 00:45:35,699 --> 00:45:38,669 How do you balance the priorities of Seattle 1123 00:45:38,669 --> 00:45:40,838 along with the entire county? 1124 00:45:40,838 --> 00:45:42,806 My cup runneth over with opportunities, 1125 00:45:42,806 --> 00:45:46,510 so it's a really great as county executive, I represent 1126 00:45:46,977 --> 00:45:49,646 39 different cities, 2.3 million people. 1127 00:45:49,646 --> 00:45:50,547 I'm a point 1128 00:45:50,547 --> 00:45:52,950 more than a majority of the Sound Transit board members, 1129 00:45:52,950 --> 00:45:54,351 ten of the 18 seats. 1130 00:45:54,351 --> 00:45:55,619 And so absolutely 1131 00:45:55,619 --> 00:45:57,187 my commitment is to the region, 1132 00:45:57,187 --> 00:45:58,756 not just the King County region, 1133 00:45:58,756 --> 00:46:00,657 but the three county mega region 1134 00:46:00,657 --> 00:46:01,825 and making sure we have 1135 00:46:01,825 --> 00:46:05,662 a strong regional system where you can hop on a train 1136 00:46:05,662 --> 00:46:06,730 and get from anywhere. 1137 00:46:06,730 --> 00:46:08,065 And of course, we have our King 1138 00:46:08,065 --> 00:46:11,068 County Metro partners who can add those additional 1139 00:46:11,135 --> 00:46:14,138 mobility efforts beyond Rail as well. 1140 00:46:14,271 --> 00:46:16,206 We have been hosting 1141 00:46:16,206 --> 00:46:19,109 listening sessions and work sessions 1142 00:46:19,109 --> 00:46:22,546 with the different caucuses of the north sub area, 1143 00:46:22,713 --> 00:46:23,947 south sub area, east 1144 00:46:23,947 --> 00:46:24,748 sub area, 1145 00:46:24,748 --> 00:46:25,883 working with the board members 1146 00:46:25,883 --> 00:46:28,185 who represent each of those regions. 1147 00:46:28,185 --> 00:46:30,120 And there is a lot of commitment, 1148 00:46:30,120 --> 00:46:33,123 a lot of alignment, a lot of stuff to work through. 1149 00:46:33,357 --> 00:46:34,458 We're going to 1150 00:46:34,458 --> 00:46:37,294 all of the different town halls around the region. 1151 00:46:37,294 --> 00:46:38,662 You know we're here in Seattle. 1152 00:46:38,662 --> 00:46:42,099 We're going to be at the Graham Street event on Tuesday. 1153 00:46:44,101 --> 00:46:46,904 We're going to be at the South King County event 1154 00:46:46,904 --> 00:46:48,839 in a couple of weeks here to talk about 1155 00:46:48,839 --> 00:46:50,541 Boeing Access Road as well. 1156 00:46:50,541 --> 00:46:53,744 And so I feel committed to the whole region. 1157 00:46:53,744 --> 00:46:54,478 I'm going to work with 1158 00:46:54,478 --> 00:46:58,248 all of our amazing colleagues and our community members. 1159 00:46:58,248 --> 00:46:58,715 You all are 1160 00:46:58,715 --> 00:47:00,918 the ones who are really inspiring us 1161 00:47:00,918 --> 00:47:03,453 to work together on this and not just think about 1162 00:47:03,453 --> 00:47:06,023 our own individual communities. 1163 00:47:06,023 --> 00:47:08,458 I love to see the fact that Graham Street 1164 00:47:08,458 --> 00:47:09,526 Community is working 1165 00:47:09,526 --> 00:47:12,529 alongside the Boeing Access Road Community. 1166 00:47:12,663 --> 00:47:14,298 You guys are working in partnership. 1167 00:47:14,298 --> 00:47:15,666 That's really inspiring. 1168 00:47:15,666 --> 00:47:17,734 I love to see what TCC is doing. 1169 00:47:17,734 --> 00:47:19,870 You could easily just host this town 1170 00:47:19,870 --> 00:47:21,505 hall in Seattle and capture 1171 00:47:21,505 --> 00:47:23,774 a lot of people, especially because the North sub area 1172 00:47:23,774 --> 00:47:27,377 is facing the majority of the financial challenges. 1173 00:47:27,678 --> 00:47:29,279 But you're hosting them in East 1174 00:47:29,279 --> 00:47:30,814 King County and South King County. 1175 00:47:30,814 --> 00:47:33,884 So that type of regionalism is what we really need 1176 00:47:33,884 --> 00:47:36,420 to create the best possible transit system. 1177 00:47:36,420 --> 00:47:38,088 And I want to thank you all for doing that work. 1178 00:47:40,657 --> 00:47:41,358 We're in the favorite 1179 00:47:41,358 --> 00:47:44,361 subject here, but you're making. 1180 00:47:44,428 --> 00:47:45,028 All right. 1181 00:47:45,028 --> 00:47:47,364 We've got about two more moderator questions. 1182 00:47:47,364 --> 00:47:49,166 So if you have a question on a 1183 00:47:49,166 --> 00:47:51,401 no card, please make sure you raise it up. 1184 00:47:51,401 --> 00:47:53,537 We have our Transportation Choices 1185 00:47:53,537 --> 00:47:56,073 coalition staff in there, build the damn train shirts. 1186 00:47:56,073 --> 00:47:57,641 They will collect them to you and make sure 1187 00:47:57,641 --> 00:48:00,477 we get them up to the front. 1188 00:48:00,477 --> 00:48:03,180 This is a question for all the board members. 1189 00:48:03,180 --> 00:48:04,214 The Enterprise initiative 1190 00:48:04,214 --> 00:48:07,150 that Alex shared is designed to produce the path forward, 1191 00:48:07,150 --> 00:48:09,853 but it's not the end of the story. We know this. 1192 00:48:09,853 --> 00:48:11,822 You all talked about what some of the next steps 1193 00:48:11,822 --> 00:48:14,491 are once the board makes a decision, 1194 00:48:14,491 --> 00:48:16,059 what does implementation look like 1195 00:48:16,059 --> 00:48:18,962 and when do you know it's going to be successful? 1196 00:48:18,962 --> 00:48:20,530 Or what does success look like for you? 1197 00:48:29,039 --> 00:48:31,375 Okay, I'll jump in. 1198 00:48:31,375 --> 00:48:34,678 So I want to 1199 00:48:35,279 --> 00:48:38,215 let's see folks come down to Olympia and lobby sometimes. 1200 00:48:38,215 --> 00:48:39,750 Right. You know, raise your hand. 1201 00:48:39,750 --> 00:48:42,686 You go to lobby in Olympia. Okay? Yeah. 1202 00:48:42,686 --> 00:48:44,421 You know, when a bill gets introduced, 1203 00:48:44,421 --> 00:48:45,989 they talk about putting it in the hopper. 1204 00:48:45,989 --> 00:48:47,758 That's just like it just gets introduced 1205 00:48:47,758 --> 00:48:49,793 that they're like, Now it's official. 1206 00:48:49,793 --> 00:48:53,297 Let's assume that Thursday, when the chair releases 1207 00:48:53,297 --> 00:48:56,300 his proposal, it is him putting in the hopper, right? 1208 00:48:56,300 --> 00:48:59,169 And this is our chance to see what the draft is 1209 00:48:59,169 --> 00:49:01,772 and how we can continue to articulate this. 1210 00:49:01,772 --> 00:49:05,208 Yes and approach, because not everything in a piece 1211 00:49:05,208 --> 00:49:08,378 of legislation will be there from the ultimate. 1212 00:49:08,612 --> 00:49:09,146 Second, 1213 00:49:09,146 --> 00:49:10,881 it gets dropped into the hopper, 1214 00:49:10,881 --> 00:49:13,317 but we get the chance to add to it 1215 00:49:13,317 --> 00:49:15,519 the vision, the values, the next steps. 1216 00:49:15,519 --> 00:49:16,987 And some of this can be legislated 1217 00:49:16,987 --> 00:49:18,922 and some of this may have to go in a companion 1218 00:49:18,922 --> 00:49:21,558 resolution to talk about what the next steps are. 1219 00:49:21,558 --> 00:49:23,160 So I want to make sure that 1220 00:49:23,160 --> 00:49:26,163 folks know from from from, I think our perspective, 1221 00:49:26,263 --> 00:49:27,230 this conversation 1222 00:49:27,230 --> 00:49:30,267 about how we can do more within the confines 1223 00:49:30,567 --> 00:49:32,703 restraints that we have for this 20 year plan, 1224 00:49:32,703 --> 00:49:35,872 we can articulate a broader, bigger vision 1225 00:49:36,106 --> 00:49:38,942 of what is possible in our commitment to do more. 1226 00:49:38,942 --> 00:49:41,812 If we have that and and we use the revenue 1227 00:49:41,812 --> 00:49:44,281 and we deploy new financing and financing tools 1228 00:49:44,281 --> 00:49:47,284 and we commit and we direct staff to advance design, 1229 00:49:47,718 --> 00:49:50,420 those are all things that the board can do 1230 00:49:50,420 --> 00:49:52,422 that are in addition to the legislation 1231 00:49:52,422 --> 00:49:53,290 and should 1232 00:49:53,290 --> 00:49:54,124 be called out 1233 00:49:54,124 --> 00:49:55,892 to the extent possible, to the 1234 00:49:55,892 --> 00:49:57,394 to the fullest extent possible 1235 00:49:57,394 --> 00:49:58,929 and then articulated as well, 1236 00:49:58,929 --> 00:50:01,031 I think in a companion resolution 1237 00:50:01,031 --> 00:50:02,733 or ideally within the legislation. 1238 00:50:02,733 --> 00:50:04,768 So think of Thursday as the bill 1239 00:50:04,768 --> 00:50:06,236 being introduced into the hopper 1240 00:50:06,236 --> 00:50:07,671 and then an opportunity for us 1241 00:50:07,671 --> 00:50:09,239 to continue to lift up the pieces 1242 00:50:09,239 --> 00:50:11,675 about how to make this fuller vision happen. 1243 00:50:11,675 --> 00:50:14,945 I think ultimately we show the public 1244 00:50:15,145 --> 00:50:17,981 that we are moving forward when we deliver, 1245 00:50:17,981 --> 00:50:19,483 as the mayor talked about, 1246 00:50:19,483 --> 00:50:22,386 making sure that we advance momentum in West Seattle 1247 00:50:22,386 --> 00:50:25,389 helps the public know that we're moving 1248 00:50:25,555 --> 00:50:27,324 Sound Transit commitments that they voted 1249 00:50:27,324 --> 00:50:28,458 for into action 1250 00:50:28,458 --> 00:50:31,995 when they see the plan and the full commitment to design 1251 00:50:32,129 --> 00:50:35,065 and that infill stations and the spine being committed 1252 00:50:35,065 --> 00:50:37,034 to that provides momentum. 1253 00:50:37,034 --> 00:50:38,068 And then when we start 1254 00:50:38,068 --> 00:50:38,802 moving forward 1255 00:50:38,802 --> 00:50:42,172 with specifics that I think only create additional trust 1256 00:50:42,472 --> 00:50:45,308 when design is authorized, I think that builds 1257 00:50:45,308 --> 00:50:46,109 additional momentum. 1258 00:50:46,109 --> 00:50:48,478 Now, I talked about first right of opportunity 1259 00:50:48,478 --> 00:50:49,946 to return for businesses 1260 00:50:49,946 --> 00:50:52,482 once transit oriented development is in place. 1261 00:50:52,482 --> 00:50:55,485 But I also think we should be amplifying our commitments 1262 00:50:55,619 --> 00:50:57,687 while we build to build 1263 00:50:57,687 --> 00:50:59,890 with locally sourced resources 1264 00:50:59,890 --> 00:51:02,459 like the recycled steel at Nucor, 1265 00:51:02,459 --> 00:51:05,429 like making sure that we have local priority and 1266 00:51:05,529 --> 00:51:07,831 local priority and priority hire in place 1267 00:51:07,831 --> 00:51:09,499 so that our communities are getting access 1268 00:51:09,499 --> 00:51:10,467 to these good jobs, 1269 00:51:10,467 --> 00:51:11,868 making sure people see the value 1270 00:51:11,868 --> 00:51:12,235 of not 1271 00:51:12,235 --> 00:51:14,638 only the trains being built and the momentum happening, 1272 00:51:14,638 --> 00:51:16,139 but that we're really investing back 1273 00:51:16,139 --> 00:51:17,340 into the local community 1274 00:51:17,340 --> 00:51:18,942 and protecting those small businesses 1275 00:51:18,942 --> 00:51:20,310 and residents as well. 1276 00:51:20,310 --> 00:51:21,745 But I do think that 1277 00:51:21,745 --> 00:51:22,746 when we think about 1278 00:51:22,746 --> 00:51:25,749 how we can augment what gets introduced, 1279 00:51:25,782 --> 00:51:28,552 my my take away from the retreat was that 1280 00:51:28,552 --> 00:51:30,087 it was a little bit 1281 00:51:30,087 --> 00:51:33,423 and Alex, you've heard this I apologize but a little bit 1282 00:51:33,423 --> 00:51:34,357 unfortunate that 1283 00:51:34,357 --> 00:51:38,562 the financing conversation was relegated or delegated 1284 00:51:38,829 --> 00:51:41,298 to a subcommittee discussion in the afternoon 1285 00:51:41,298 --> 00:51:43,500 instead of what got covered in front of the press, 1286 00:51:43,500 --> 00:51:46,169 because there you would have heard the board members 1287 00:51:46,169 --> 00:51:47,938 by board members talking about, yes, 1288 00:51:47,938 --> 00:51:49,806 of course, deploy their car rental taxes. 1289 00:51:49,806 --> 00:51:50,574 Yes, of course. 1290 00:51:50,574 --> 00:51:52,175 Let's look into our debt capacity. 1291 00:51:52,175 --> 00:51:53,009 Yes, of course. 1292 00:51:53,009 --> 00:51:55,078 We should go back with a more full plan 1293 00:51:55,078 --> 00:51:56,179 to the legislature 1294 00:51:56,179 --> 00:51:58,081 that articulates what the Delta is 1295 00:51:58,081 --> 00:52:00,183 so that we can have a fuller picture 1296 00:52:00,183 --> 00:52:03,186 for them to vote yes on the 75 year bond bill. 1297 00:52:03,587 --> 00:52:05,455 All of the tables that I listened to 1298 00:52:05,455 --> 00:52:08,091 at the financing table were giving the thumbs up. 1299 00:52:08,091 --> 00:52:09,993 Now, that would have been a cool takeaway from 1300 00:52:09,993 --> 00:52:11,628 the retreat board is committed 1301 00:52:11,628 --> 00:52:13,797 to additional financial tools to deliver, 1302 00:52:13,797 --> 00:52:14,798 and I still think 1303 00:52:14,798 --> 00:52:16,967 that can be the takeaway at the end of May. 1304 00:52:16,967 --> 00:52:18,568 If we think about how to augment 1305 00:52:18,568 --> 00:52:20,770 this conversation over the next few weeks 1306 00:52:20,770 --> 00:52:22,906 and really show members of the public, 1307 00:52:22,906 --> 00:52:25,041 no matter what's in, has to be in a 20 year 1308 00:52:25,041 --> 00:52:26,776 plan, work committed to the. Yes. 1309 00:52:26,776 --> 00:52:28,211 And and we're going to deliver. 1310 00:52:36,153 --> 00:52:38,255 Yeah so 1311 00:52:38,255 --> 00:52:41,458 you know my my office has already asked South 1312 00:52:41,691 --> 00:52:43,627 Sound Transit staff to prepare board action 1313 00:52:43,627 --> 00:52:45,629 so that once we are through the Enterprise initiative, 1314 00:52:45,629 --> 00:52:47,831 we can issue permits and get shovels in the ground 1315 00:52:47,831 --> 00:52:50,834 right away for West Seattle. 1316 00:52:52,169 --> 00:52:53,737 So for me, 1317 00:52:53,737 --> 00:52:55,305 because all of that construction 1318 00:52:55,305 --> 00:52:58,041 is going to be taking place within Seattle, 1319 00:52:58,041 --> 00:53:00,777 showing momentum moving forward means the city 1320 00:53:00,777 --> 00:53:02,379 being the best possible partner 1321 00:53:02,379 --> 00:53:05,282 in doing all the like devil's in the details work 1322 00:53:05,282 --> 00:53:08,385 that we need to do to make that construction 1323 00:53:08,952 --> 00:53:11,755 go as smoothly and as quickly as possible. 1324 00:53:11,755 --> 00:53:13,323 And the city has already done 1325 00:53:13,323 --> 00:53:14,591 a ton of work on that score. 1326 00:53:14,591 --> 00:53:16,693 We've got a lot of awesome staff 1327 00:53:16,693 --> 00:53:18,428 who have been working on that for a very long time. 1328 00:53:18,428 --> 00:53:20,630 We've like overhauled our permitting regime 1329 00:53:20,630 --> 00:53:21,865 at least partially to 1330 00:53:21,865 --> 00:53:24,034 to make make this work better, 1331 00:53:24,034 --> 00:53:25,769 and we will continue doing that work. 1332 00:53:25,769 --> 00:53:28,738 So for me, it's really figuring out how 1333 00:53:28,738 --> 00:53:30,574 how the city can move things along. 1334 00:53:31,675 --> 00:53:32,709 And and 1335 00:53:32,709 --> 00:53:34,578 then it's, you know, we're already thinking ahead 1336 00:53:34,578 --> 00:53:36,179 to next year's legislative session 1337 00:53:36,179 --> 00:53:37,214 and what the city's legislative 1338 00:53:37,214 --> 00:53:38,381 agenda is going to look like. 1339 00:53:38,381 --> 00:53:39,082 And so 1340 00:53:39,082 --> 00:53:42,319 we're going to really be leaning into and prioritizing 1341 00:53:42,819 --> 00:53:45,488 75 year bonds and any other things 1342 00:53:45,488 --> 00:53:48,992 that we can work with the legislature to to do to 1343 00:53:49,192 --> 00:53:52,195 to to keep the whole plan moving forward. 1344 00:53:58,134 --> 00:53:58,702 Yeah. 1345 00:53:58,702 --> 00:54:01,371 So I chaired a couple of minutes ago 1346 00:54:01,371 --> 00:54:02,772 what I'm heartened by 1347 00:54:02,772 --> 00:54:05,041 with the Enterprise initiative as compared 1348 00:54:05,041 --> 00:54:08,411 to the realignment conversation of 2021, 1349 00:54:08,678 --> 00:54:12,749 you've also heard me say that we need to have the answers 1350 00:54:12,983 --> 00:54:15,619 from the Enterprise initiative 1351 00:54:15,619 --> 00:54:18,622 before we start doing capital reduction. 1352 00:54:18,989 --> 00:54:20,824 There's a reality that we might not be able 1353 00:54:20,824 --> 00:54:21,858 to accomplish that. 1354 00:54:21,858 --> 00:54:24,728 And so what I would say is that the Enterprise 1355 00:54:24,728 --> 00:54:27,731 initiative should not end this year. 1356 00:54:27,731 --> 00:54:30,033 We have much more work to do. 1357 00:54:30,033 --> 00:54:32,002 Just in the little bit of the conversation 1358 00:54:32,002 --> 00:54:34,371 about the planning money for Ballard Line, 1359 00:54:34,371 --> 00:54:36,873 we can find $2 billion of savings. 1360 00:54:36,873 --> 00:54:39,209 We've seen that in West Seattle. 1361 00:54:39,209 --> 00:54:42,646 Ballard is a longer line with more stops, 1362 00:54:42,646 --> 00:54:43,613 and so I know that 1363 00:54:43,613 --> 00:54:46,850 there are more savings than just $2 billion. 1364 00:54:47,417 --> 00:54:51,354 In one way to show this in real time 1365 00:54:52,055 --> 00:54:54,557 is having a date out there for Ballard. 1366 00:54:54,557 --> 00:54:59,162 And I know that there's not unanimous conclusions on 1367 00:54:59,429 --> 00:55:02,399 should we put a date that's really far out there 1368 00:55:02,565 --> 00:55:04,534 and people are upset about that, 1369 00:55:04,534 --> 00:55:07,537 or should we just not put a date out there and 1370 00:55:08,438 --> 00:55:10,273 give them a better date later? 1371 00:55:10,273 --> 00:55:12,809 My answer is let's be transparent. 1372 00:55:12,809 --> 00:55:16,212 If we have a set of funds that we can use 1373 00:55:16,212 --> 00:55:20,250 to get towards Ballard, what what does that date really? 1374 00:55:20,617 --> 00:55:22,052 What is that date? 1375 00:55:22,052 --> 00:55:25,055 Because from there and through the in 1376 00:55:25,355 --> 00:55:27,957 the rest of the enterprise work of looking 1377 00:55:27,957 --> 00:55:28,792 at the planning money 1378 00:55:28,792 --> 00:55:29,859 that we've just discussed, 1379 00:55:29,859 --> 00:55:31,328 of looking at the financial tools 1380 00:55:31,328 --> 00:55:32,796 that Councilmember Mosqueda 1381 00:55:32,796 --> 00:55:35,398 and both the mayor and executives talked about, 1382 00:55:35,398 --> 00:55:37,667 looking at our ability to go to Olympia. 1383 00:55:37,667 --> 00:55:40,103 And I saw a state legislator walking around here 1384 00:55:40,103 --> 00:55:43,106 hoping that we can get your support on 75 year bonds. 1385 00:55:43,239 --> 00:55:46,776 But when we can pass these different mechanism 1386 00:55:46,776 --> 00:55:47,844 to use these different levers 1387 00:55:47,844 --> 00:55:51,381 and these tools, we're able to bring that date forward 1388 00:55:51,948 --> 00:55:55,452 and be able to show to the public that not only 1389 00:55:55,985 --> 00:55:57,787 is this a real number, 1390 00:55:57,787 --> 00:56:00,056 but through our good work, through the Enterprise 1391 00:56:00,056 --> 00:56:01,524 initiative, that should not end this 1392 00:56:01,524 --> 00:56:03,293 year, that should continue forward, 1393 00:56:03,293 --> 00:56:05,195 we're able to actually make progress 1394 00:56:05,195 --> 00:56:06,796 and deliver the project sooner. 1395 00:56:16,306 --> 00:56:17,240 Executive We're doing good. 1396 00:56:17,240 --> 00:56:19,342 I'll keep I'll keep assure 1397 00:56:19,342 --> 00:56:20,410 what I'm going to be looking for in 1398 00:56:20,410 --> 00:56:20,810 the chair's 1399 00:56:20,810 --> 00:56:22,078 proposal is 1400 00:56:22,078 --> 00:56:23,980 are going to be three things that determine success 1401 00:56:23,980 --> 00:56:26,082 for me, regionalism, advancement, 1402 00:56:26,082 --> 00:56:27,050 all the financing. 1403 00:56:27,050 --> 00:56:28,651 So regionalism to me 1404 00:56:28,651 --> 00:56:31,421 means connecting the spine and delivering those stations 1405 00:56:31,421 --> 00:56:33,690 all the way up from Everett to Tacoma. 1406 00:56:33,690 --> 00:56:35,592 Advancement means advancing 1407 00:56:35,592 --> 00:56:37,560 all of the projects across the board. 1408 00:56:37,560 --> 00:56:38,962 I don't want us to leave 1409 00:56:38,962 --> 00:56:41,998 behind, abandon or table any voter approved projects. 1410 00:56:41,998 --> 00:56:44,367 So seeing them progress and move forward 1411 00:56:44,367 --> 00:56:48,104 is going to be a must for me to define success. 1412 00:56:48,338 --> 00:56:50,573 And finally, leaving no stone unturned in terms 1413 00:56:50,573 --> 00:56:53,610 of finding the financing, the partnerships 1414 00:56:53,810 --> 00:56:56,813 to get this all done, 1415 00:56:59,816 --> 00:57:00,483 let's go. 1416 00:57:00,483 --> 00:57:03,486 And we are ready to do that work after the board meeting. 1417 00:57:04,187 --> 00:57:04,821 All right. 1418 00:57:04,821 --> 00:57:07,657 Thank you all so much for all of your questions. 1419 00:57:07,657 --> 00:57:10,660 We have one that is a great one to just kick us off. 1420 00:57:11,194 --> 00:57:13,596 Will the board be choosing amongst the three 1421 00:57:13,596 --> 00:57:15,598 proposed alternatives for the Enterprise initiative 1422 00:57:15,598 --> 00:57:17,200 or is there room for other variation? 1423 00:57:18,468 --> 00:57:20,069 There is room for other variations. 1424 00:57:20,069 --> 00:57:23,873 As as Alex likes to remind us, those are not here's here 1425 00:57:23,873 --> 00:57:25,175 are three options. Choose one. 1426 00:57:25,175 --> 00:57:26,976 They are building blocks 1427 00:57:26,976 --> 00:57:30,613 and hypotheticals and things to inspire conversation. 1428 00:57:30,814 --> 00:57:32,515 And so there will be 1429 00:57:32,515 --> 00:57:34,083 there will be different combinations 1430 00:57:34,083 --> 00:57:35,919 that we can choose from. 1431 00:57:35,919 --> 00:57:37,187 And I also just want 1432 00:57:37,187 --> 00:57:40,690 to really like harp on the point that the kind of 1433 00:57:40,690 --> 00:57:43,693 like technical exercise that we are doing right now 1434 00:57:43,693 --> 00:57:47,397 of getting the system into affordability 1435 00:57:48,898 --> 00:57:51,768 because there is so much work to be done 1436 00:57:51,768 --> 00:57:52,802 once we get toward 1437 00:57:52,802 --> 00:57:54,304 final design on these projects 1438 00:57:54,304 --> 00:57:54,904 where we know 1439 00:57:54,904 --> 00:57:57,907 we are going to find billions of dollars of cost savings, 1440 00:57:58,308 --> 00:58:00,310 the fact that a part of the project 1441 00:58:00,310 --> 00:58:03,313 does not appear in that quote unquote affordable plan 1442 00:58:03,480 --> 00:58:04,747 does not mean 1443 00:58:04,747 --> 00:58:08,551 that it is being canceled or delayed or deferred. 1444 00:58:08,718 --> 00:58:09,552 Right. 1445 00:58:09,552 --> 00:58:11,120 And so one of the things 1446 00:58:11,120 --> 00:58:11,855 that I want to see 1447 00:58:11,855 --> 00:58:15,492 is just a really clear plan for, as we do work 1448 00:58:15,792 --> 00:58:18,962 for adding those things back into the plan. 1449 00:58:18,962 --> 00:58:20,029 And I'm not even talking 1450 00:58:20,029 --> 00:58:21,464 like we need more revenue for this. 1451 00:58:21,464 --> 00:58:23,099 It just we need to get further along 1452 00:58:23,099 --> 00:58:24,267 in the planning process 1453 00:58:24,267 --> 00:58:26,035 and then suddenly you're going to see 1454 00:58:26,035 --> 00:58:28,137 more stations kind of magically 1455 00:58:28,137 --> 00:58:29,706 come back into affordability. 1456 00:58:29,706 --> 00:58:30,273 And so that 1457 00:58:30,273 --> 00:58:31,407 I think it's a really hard 1458 00:58:31,407 --> 00:58:34,410 conceptual thing for us to wrap our minds around. 1459 00:58:34,410 --> 00:58:37,413 But like when you see the Affordable Plan 1460 00:58:37,614 --> 00:58:38,948 as whatever is rolled out 1461 00:58:38,948 --> 00:58:40,517 later this week, it's just really important 1462 00:58:40,517 --> 00:58:42,986 to keep in mind that that is not like, 1463 00:58:42,986 --> 00:58:44,254 this is all we can build. 1464 00:58:51,928 --> 00:58:54,597 The next question is wonky 1465 00:58:54,597 --> 00:58:57,567 and nerdy and technical, because this is Seattle. 1466 00:58:57,834 --> 00:59:00,670 We've seen recent proposals related to automating 1467 00:59:00,670 --> 00:59:01,137 the ballot 1468 00:59:01,137 --> 00:59:03,273 and West Seattle line. Is this option 1469 00:59:03,273 --> 00:59:05,174 under consideration by Sound Transit? 1470 00:59:05,174 --> 00:59:08,177 And if not, why 1471 00:59:08,545 --> 00:59:10,280 this question? 1472 00:59:10,280 --> 00:59:10,680 I think 1473 00:59:10,680 --> 00:59:12,782 when we're going through the Enterprise initiative 1474 00:59:12,782 --> 00:59:14,884 and what we'll see later this week is, 1475 00:59:14,884 --> 00:59:15,184 you know, 1476 00:59:15,184 --> 00:59:17,420 if Mayor Wilson is correct that these 1477 00:59:17,420 --> 00:59:18,154 these stations 1478 00:59:18,154 --> 00:59:21,157 are not off the plan, that they're not off the table, 1479 00:59:21,491 --> 00:59:22,659 then that's a good thing, 1480 00:59:22,659 --> 00:59:26,429 that we're able to continue working within the record 1481 00:59:26,429 --> 00:59:30,500 of decisions and within the ERISA that we have in place. 1482 00:59:30,500 --> 00:59:33,069 But the three approaches that were presented to 1483 00:59:33,069 --> 00:59:35,338 the board, Ballard was not on any of them. 1484 00:59:35,338 --> 00:59:39,509 And so if that's going to be the case moving forward, 1485 00:59:40,109 --> 00:59:41,778 you know, I've had a lot of discussions 1486 00:59:41,778 --> 00:59:44,147 with Sound Transit staff where I say, why didn't we 1487 00:59:44,147 --> 00:59:47,984 explore using the Burlington Northern Railroad space? 1488 00:59:48,184 --> 00:59:50,520 Well, that takes eight years of negotiation. 1489 00:59:50,520 --> 00:59:51,654 Or if we'd started it 1490 00:59:51,654 --> 00:59:52,388 when we passed 1491 00:59:52,388 --> 00:59:53,523 t three, we'd be two years 1492 00:59:53,523 --> 00:59:55,959 past a decision on their right. 1493 00:59:55,959 --> 00:59:58,962 When we're sitting in these moments of a 1494 00:59:59,028 --> 01:00:01,130 if the only urban regional center 1495 01:00:01,130 --> 01:00:04,133 is going to be off of link light rail's plan, 1496 01:00:04,167 --> 01:00:06,002 then absolutely every option 1497 01:00:06,002 --> 01:00:09,005 needs to come back and be scrutinized 1498 01:00:09,172 --> 01:00:12,175 and we'll find out where we are later this week. 1499 01:00:12,375 --> 01:00:14,043 And I just think 1500 01:00:14,043 --> 01:00:17,413 a lesson that I learned from the retreat was not asking. 1501 01:00:17,413 --> 01:00:18,615 Sound Transit staff are like 1502 01:00:18,615 --> 01:00:21,618 the technical response when something comes up. 1503 01:00:21,684 --> 01:00:23,686 And it would be helpful to hear Alex 1504 01:00:23,686 --> 01:00:24,854 weigh in on this question that was 1505 01:00:24,854 --> 01:00:26,055 asked as well for clarity. 1506 01:00:27,190 --> 01:00:28,224 Sure. 1507 01:00:28,224 --> 01:00:31,094 I think what I would say is with that proposal 1508 01:00:31,094 --> 01:00:34,097 about automating light rail, 1509 01:00:34,430 --> 01:00:36,933 there are certainly things that we are actively 1510 01:00:36,933 --> 01:00:39,669 looking at with respect to the ideas identified. 1511 01:00:39,669 --> 01:00:42,672 I know I saw Trevor around here somewhere. 1512 01:00:43,139 --> 01:00:46,109 You know, there are very real 1513 01:00:47,377 --> 01:00:49,712 there are very real issues with just the cost 1514 01:00:49,712 --> 01:00:51,848 of delivering transit in the United States 1515 01:00:51,848 --> 01:00:55,451 relative to other countries that I think 1516 01:00:56,152 --> 01:00:58,688 is a sort of a policy question beyond 1517 01:00:58,688 --> 01:01:01,724 any individual project team to address and resolve. 1518 01:01:01,724 --> 01:01:05,128 It is is a very real opportunity, 1519 01:01:05,561 --> 01:01:08,197 not just for this region but for the nation. 1520 01:01:08,197 --> 01:01:11,901 We have certainly heard and are incorporating 1521 01:01:11,901 --> 01:01:14,537 the feedback around station size. 1522 01:01:14,537 --> 01:01:16,005 Everyone, while not everyone, 1523 01:01:16,005 --> 01:01:17,340 but some people in this room might know 1524 01:01:17,340 --> 01:01:18,675 the reference to the word 1525 01:01:18,675 --> 01:01:20,943 trapezoidal station, where we are, 1526 01:01:20,943 --> 01:01:22,845 at least at the Seattle Center station, have 1527 01:01:23,946 --> 01:01:24,347 found 1528 01:01:24,347 --> 01:01:27,350 real significant cost savings. 1529 01:01:27,417 --> 01:01:30,253 I would also say, I think with respect 1530 01:01:30,253 --> 01:01:33,790 to the proposal, which which does assert 1531 01:01:34,290 --> 01:01:37,293 significant cost savings and schedule savings, 1532 01:01:37,326 --> 01:01:40,029 there's real risk with process delay. 1533 01:01:40,029 --> 01:01:41,397 We do need approval 1534 01:01:41,397 --> 01:01:43,633 from the Federal Transit Administration 1535 01:01:43,633 --> 01:01:44,701 to get that draft 1536 01:01:44,701 --> 01:01:47,136 environmental impact statement published. 1537 01:01:47,136 --> 01:01:50,039 Changing that in such a way 1538 01:01:50,039 --> 01:01:52,275 just carries risk. 1539 01:01:52,275 --> 01:01:55,411 There is also, I think, a real consideration 1540 01:01:55,611 --> 01:01:58,181 is around smaller stations and more frequency 1541 01:01:58,181 --> 01:02:01,484 around the ability to expand in the future. 1542 01:02:01,984 --> 01:02:05,421 We know from a peer region up in Vancouver, 1543 01:02:05,621 --> 01:02:09,358 the Canada line is identified as as an example of this. 1544 01:02:09,759 --> 01:02:12,295 They're bursting at the seams and it's not easy to 1545 01:02:12,295 --> 01:02:15,665 to grow capacity once you've set a station size. 1546 01:02:16,399 --> 01:02:19,068 So there are very real tradeoffs. 1547 01:02:19,068 --> 01:02:20,336 We love the ideas. 1548 01:02:20,336 --> 01:02:23,239 We want people to be engaged in this work 1549 01:02:23,239 --> 01:02:26,042 and also just want to be really clear about 1550 01:02:26,042 --> 01:02:27,477 there are no easy answers here. 1551 01:02:27,477 --> 01:02:28,845 I wish there were, 1552 01:02:28,845 --> 01:02:31,647 because then you would all be going about your lives 1553 01:02:31,647 --> 01:02:34,517 on a beautiful kind of summer ish evening. 1554 01:02:34,517 --> 01:02:35,785 So thank you. 1555 01:02:38,488 --> 01:02:41,257 Thank you for that breath, Alex. 1556 01:02:41,257 --> 01:02:44,260 Anyone else? 1557 01:02:44,627 --> 01:02:46,229 If not, I want to move on to this question 1558 01:02:46,229 --> 01:02:48,865 because the handwriting is immaculate and beautiful. 1559 01:02:48,865 --> 01:02:50,967 You all should see this. 1560 01:02:50,967 --> 01:02:53,870 Big decisions are often sticky decisions. 1561 01:02:53,870 --> 01:02:55,138 As the saying goes, 1562 01:02:55,138 --> 01:02:58,107 nothing is more permanent than a temporary solution. 1563 01:02:58,107 --> 01:02:59,242 With this in mind, 1564 01:02:59,242 --> 01:02:59,942 how is the board 1565 01:02:59,942 --> 01:03:01,744 working to make sure the decisions and changes 1566 01:03:01,744 --> 01:03:03,813 made today don't lock us into the contract? 1567 01:03:03,813 --> 01:03:06,949 The contract, sorry, lock us into consequences 1568 01:03:06,949 --> 01:03:09,452 writers will be dealing with for decades to come. 1569 01:03:09,452 --> 01:03:11,554 The big question, 1570 01:03:11,554 --> 01:03:13,790 I think a major part of that is just advancing 1571 01:03:13,790 --> 01:03:15,424 all of the designs, right? 1572 01:03:15,424 --> 01:03:17,426 We find our biggest cost 1573 01:03:17,426 --> 01:03:17,860 savings 1574 01:03:17,860 --> 01:03:20,663 as the mayor and both council members were saying, 1575 01:03:20,663 --> 01:03:21,998 we found our biggest cost savings. 1576 01:03:21,998 --> 01:03:25,001 Once we complete design and get projects shovel ready. 1577 01:03:25,234 --> 01:03:28,805 And so I don't want to see a proposal 1578 01:03:28,805 --> 01:03:30,973 that tables or eliminates 1579 01:03:30,973 --> 01:03:32,575 any projects for that exact reason. 1580 01:03:32,575 --> 01:03:33,810 We don't want to 1581 01:03:33,810 --> 01:03:35,444 commit ourselves to 1582 01:03:35,444 --> 01:03:38,781 a position now before we've even fully explored 1583 01:03:39,015 --> 01:03:41,484 what cost savings we can have, 1584 01:03:41,484 --> 01:03:42,652 before we fully explored 1585 01:03:42,652 --> 01:03:44,487 the partnerships that are possible 1586 01:03:44,487 --> 01:03:47,089 before we've passed our beautiful bills in Olympia. 1587 01:03:47,089 --> 01:03:48,958 I know the term big, beautiful bill is 1588 01:03:50,159 --> 01:03:50,993 is triggering. 1589 01:03:50,993 --> 01:03:53,129 But Brianna, I know you're in here 1590 01:03:53,129 --> 01:03:54,931 somewhere, Representative Thomas. 1591 01:03:54,931 --> 01:03:57,733 So will we have a lot of work to do together. 1592 01:03:57,733 --> 01:03:58,367 And so 1593 01:03:58,367 --> 01:04:01,370 continuing to advance design is a big part of that. 1594 01:04:03,039 --> 01:04:05,208 I think the one of the biggest risks is that 1595 01:04:05,208 --> 01:04:08,211 we don't connect our region because we start 1596 01:04:09,278 --> 01:04:11,280 sacrificing and reducing at a time 1597 01:04:11,280 --> 01:04:13,950 that we need to be expanding and moving faster. 1598 01:04:13,950 --> 01:04:14,483 Right? 1599 01:04:14,483 --> 01:04:17,253 This comes back to all of the different 1600 01:04:17,253 --> 01:04:20,256 subregions of Sound Transit 1601 01:04:20,756 --> 01:04:24,126 have increased growth since we passed Study three. 1602 01:04:24,460 --> 01:04:26,696 When we just look in Snohomish County 1603 01:04:26,696 --> 01:04:27,663 there, airport needs 1604 01:04:27,663 --> 01:04:30,199 an airport station as well as a station 1605 01:04:30,199 --> 01:04:31,634 for Boeing employees. 1606 01:04:31,634 --> 01:04:35,171 This was not the case in 2016. 1607 01:04:35,438 --> 01:04:38,174 When we look at Pearson Snohomish County, 1608 01:04:38,174 --> 01:04:40,610 not only do we have to get to TCC, 1609 01:04:40,610 --> 01:04:43,346 we need to keep going further down towards DuPont. 1610 01:04:43,346 --> 01:04:45,147 These are different places. 1611 01:04:45,147 --> 01:04:46,883 And even within there, 1612 01:04:46,883 --> 01:04:49,986 within our entire region, there is additional need. 1613 01:04:50,553 --> 01:04:53,456 And that's what asked for really needs to be about. 1614 01:04:53,456 --> 01:04:54,724 We also have a political 1615 01:04:54,724 --> 01:04:58,160 problem, really frankly, because we have not delivered 1616 01:04:58,494 --> 01:05:01,964 link light rail to Pierce and into Everett, 1617 01:05:02,498 --> 01:05:04,066 even though they are benefiting 1618 01:05:04,066 --> 01:05:05,868 from Sound Transit Express. 1619 01:05:05,868 --> 01:05:07,103 And my apologies, 1620 01:05:07,103 --> 01:05:10,106 Councilmember Brown, But we've had the conversation of 1621 01:05:10,439 --> 01:05:12,808 I don't have direct bus service to Ballard 1622 01:05:12,808 --> 01:05:13,843 right now from downtown. 1623 01:05:13,843 --> 01:05:16,846 The last bus left at 545 today. 1624 01:05:16,879 --> 01:05:17,213 Right. 1625 01:05:17,213 --> 01:05:18,781 So I see a lot of Ballard folks. 1626 01:05:18,781 --> 01:05:20,950 I did drive because I don't have my direct bus service. 1627 01:05:20,950 --> 01:05:23,452 If anyone needs a ride, I've got four seats 1628 01:05:23,452 --> 01:05:24,120 with that. 1629 01:05:24,120 --> 01:05:24,754 You know, 1630 01:05:24,754 --> 01:05:28,491 I think that the biggest risk that we hold is, again, 1631 01:05:28,758 --> 01:05:32,028 reducing when we need to be thinking more boldly. 1632 01:05:32,428 --> 01:05:33,029 And for me, 1633 01:05:33,029 --> 01:05:36,032 that risk is ending up in my grandma's position 1634 01:05:36,332 --> 01:05:37,600 for Ballard, right? 1635 01:05:37,600 --> 01:05:40,569 She said she wasn't going to see it in her lifetime. 1636 01:05:40,569 --> 01:05:43,572 I thought that she was being dramatic 1637 01:05:43,706 --> 01:05:45,775 and it turned out to be a reality. 1638 01:05:45,775 --> 01:05:47,743 And I don't want to see that for my community. 1639 01:05:55,751 --> 01:05:56,252 Right. 1640 01:05:56,252 --> 01:05:58,654 Mayor? I think this next question is for you. 1641 01:05:58,654 --> 01:06:00,156 Is the Chinatown International District 1642 01:06:00,156 --> 01:06:04,427 Station and location and configuration set a No. 1643 01:06:04,860 --> 01:06:07,430 So, yeah, 1644 01:06:07,430 --> 01:06:08,264 I don't know 1645 01:06:08,264 --> 01:06:08,931 if Alex wants 1646 01:06:08,931 --> 01:06:09,832 to speak more to that, 1647 01:06:09,832 --> 01:06:13,235 but I know we're waiting for some information back 1648 01:06:13,235 --> 01:06:16,238 and discussion yet to be had, Right? 1649 01:06:17,073 --> 01:06:17,340 Yeah. 1650 01:06:17,340 --> 01:06:18,507 And I, i, 1651 01:06:18,507 --> 01:06:19,909 i can see my colleagues 1652 01:06:19,909 --> 01:06:23,379 in the back, so if you have questions for them down or. 1653 01:06:23,746 --> 01:06:27,149 But no, I'd say the, you know with the Ballard project 1654 01:06:27,550 --> 01:06:30,119 the board has identified a sort of locally preferred 1655 01:06:30,119 --> 01:06:31,354 alternative that's being carried 1656 01:06:31,354 --> 01:06:34,357 in the draft environmental impact statement. 1657 01:06:34,623 --> 01:06:35,758 But the draft environmental 1658 01:06:35,758 --> 01:06:37,893 impact statement is not the formal process 1659 01:06:37,893 --> 01:06:39,762 to set the preferred alternative 1660 01:06:39,762 --> 01:06:41,464 that then moves forward. 1661 01:06:41,464 --> 01:06:43,966 We've been waiting for a long time to get that 1662 01:06:43,966 --> 01:06:46,969 draft is published so people can comment on it 1663 01:06:47,636 --> 01:06:49,772 that right now the the board's a locally 1664 01:06:49,772 --> 01:06:53,142 preferred alternative is city north and south. 1665 01:06:55,711 --> 01:06:58,714 The common period will open soon. 1666 01:06:58,914 --> 01:07:01,417 So I would just acknowledge 1667 01:07:01,417 --> 01:07:04,420 that the mayor's answer is technically correct. 1668 01:07:04,420 --> 01:07:07,423 It is not officially set, but is the name 1669 01:07:08,657 --> 01:07:10,826 Will we be Chinatown International District 1670 01:07:10,826 --> 01:07:12,161 rather than International District? 1671 01:07:12,161 --> 01:07:14,130 Chinatown. 1672 01:07:14,130 --> 01:07:17,099 Don't answer that. 1673 01:07:18,134 --> 01:07:20,803 All right, because this is the town hall in Seattle. 1674 01:07:20,803 --> 01:07:22,438 Have you considered raising revenue 1675 01:07:22,438 --> 01:07:24,240 by taxing large employers in Seattle 1676 01:07:24,240 --> 01:07:27,209 or King County to fund the gap? 1677 01:07:34,417 --> 01:07:36,585 I don't believe we've had that discussion. 1678 01:07:36,585 --> 01:07:39,221 But, you know, all options are on the table 1679 01:07:39,221 --> 01:07:40,322 if we're looking for new revenue. 1680 01:07:40,322 --> 01:07:42,491 As far as I'm concerned, that's correct. 1681 01:07:42,491 --> 01:07:44,527 Can I can I 1682 01:07:44,527 --> 01:07:46,228 can I weigh in on that? Yeah. 1683 01:07:46,228 --> 01:07:48,597 And I do want to thank Mayor Wilson. 1684 01:07:48,597 --> 01:07:50,433 Folks know she was a coauthor, 1685 01:07:50,433 --> 01:07:53,469 coconspirator and co partner with my team, 1686 01:07:53,469 --> 01:07:56,639 Erin House and I when we were at Seattle City Council. 1687 01:07:56,639 --> 01:07:58,274 Thanks to my colleague for your support 1688 01:07:58,274 --> 01:08:01,177 on the Jumpstart Progressive payroll tax 1689 01:08:01,177 --> 01:08:02,978 and I just want to say 1690 01:08:02,978 --> 01:08:04,547 that's actually a very real question 1691 01:08:04,547 --> 01:08:06,282 about local jurisdictions being able 1692 01:08:06,282 --> 01:08:10,953 to have authorization for payroll taxes at the county. 1693 01:08:10,953 --> 01:08:13,589 We do not have a payroll tax option. 1694 01:08:13,589 --> 01:08:17,793 And I think given what we've seen with payroll taxes 1695 01:08:17,793 --> 01:08:21,030 being very important tool to keep the city 1696 01:08:21,230 --> 01:08:24,033 the black and invest in affordable housing, 1697 01:08:24,033 --> 01:08:27,036 now over $400 million going into affordable 1698 01:08:27,036 --> 01:08:28,804 housing combined with the housing levy. 1699 01:08:28,804 --> 01:08:31,140 This is how we make sustainable investments, 1700 01:08:31,140 --> 01:08:33,142 infrastructure that's desperately needed. 1701 01:08:33,142 --> 01:08:34,376 So in addition 1702 01:08:34,376 --> 01:08:37,279 to asking for a 75 year bond bill, I would love it 1703 01:08:37,279 --> 01:08:39,148 if folks were asking the state legislature 1704 01:08:39,148 --> 01:08:41,050 for additional progressive revenue 1705 01:08:41,050 --> 01:08:42,952 tools for counties like King County 1706 01:08:42,952 --> 01:08:45,254 so that we can continue to look at other options 1707 01:08:45,254 --> 01:08:47,923 that don't always rely on sales tax and property tax. 1708 01:08:47,923 --> 01:08:48,958 Thank you. 1709 01:08:54,029 --> 01:08:56,031 A follow up to this. 1710 01:08:56,031 --> 01:08:57,433 How do we plan to change the way 1711 01:08:57,433 --> 01:09:00,436 we finance transit in the Puget Sound region and in the 1712 01:09:00,669 --> 01:09:02,171 we seem to have unlimited funds 1713 01:09:02,171 --> 01:09:03,806 for roads and interchanges 1714 01:09:03,806 --> 01:09:05,074 but have to fight between cities 1715 01:09:05,074 --> 01:09:08,077 and counties for who deserves having transit 1716 01:09:11,947 --> 01:09:12,314 first. 1717 01:09:12,314 --> 01:09:14,750 I'm so sorry to jump in. Is that okay? 1718 01:09:14,750 --> 01:09:17,753 And you may be able to speak to this better, but, 1719 01:09:17,753 --> 01:09:20,723 you know, I just want to sort of 1720 01:09:20,723 --> 01:09:21,257 lift up. 1721 01:09:21,257 --> 01:09:23,092 We don't have unlimited funds 1722 01:09:23,092 --> 01:09:24,894 for roads, especially in King County. 1723 01:09:24,894 --> 01:09:25,828 I'm going to start 1724 01:09:25,828 --> 01:09:28,797 if you look at White Center, which I proudly represent, 1725 01:09:28,797 --> 01:09:31,800 along with Rashaan Island, my friend and colleague, 1726 01:09:31,800 --> 01:09:34,803 now executive The Hill I represented Skyway. 1727 01:09:35,037 --> 01:09:37,439 They don't have funding for roads still represent. 1728 01:09:37,439 --> 01:09:38,674 Scott thank you 1729 01:09:38,674 --> 01:09:42,211 solider true and now also white center in Virginia 1730 01:09:42,244 --> 01:09:43,112 all these places 1731 01:09:43,112 --> 01:09:44,980 but really it is a real issue 1732 01:09:44,980 --> 01:09:45,347 and I 1733 01:09:45,347 --> 01:09:46,415 and I think that 1734 01:09:46,415 --> 01:09:47,249 this question is 1735 01:09:47,249 --> 01:09:50,319 really important to lift up that there is not 1736 01:09:51,086 --> 01:09:53,956 a sort of competing funds source 1737 01:09:53,956 --> 01:09:55,925 that we should be seeing between the two. Right. 1738 01:09:55,925 --> 01:09:59,061 If you ride a bus, you are also getting around 1739 01:09:59,061 --> 01:10:01,630 and bumped around on the unincorporated roads 1740 01:10:01,630 --> 01:10:03,666 in White Center as you take the age line 1741 01:10:03,666 --> 01:10:05,834 through white center to get into Seattle. 1742 01:10:05,834 --> 01:10:07,169 If you are biking in 1743 01:10:07,169 --> 01:10:10,172 unincorporated areas, you too want a protected bike lane. 1744 01:10:10,339 --> 01:10:11,574 If you are a pedestrian, 1745 01:10:11,574 --> 01:10:13,008 you are lucky to not be 1746 01:10:13,008 --> 01:10:16,845 one of the 525 people who died in the last decade 1747 01:10:16,845 --> 01:10:18,314 in unincorporated county. 1748 01:10:18,314 --> 01:10:19,448 Because we don't have 1749 01:10:19,448 --> 01:10:20,783 the infrastructure that's needed 1750 01:10:20,783 --> 01:10:22,851 for pedestrians, for bikers, and for, 1751 01:10:22,851 --> 01:10:24,420 I would say, anybody 1752 01:10:24,420 --> 01:10:26,622 who's using the roads, including transit riders. 1753 01:10:26,622 --> 01:10:28,791 So I would love to continue to work. 1754 01:10:28,791 --> 01:10:30,893 I know. TCC You've done some work on this. 1755 01:10:30,893 --> 01:10:32,962 Thank you to Transportation Choices Coalition 1756 01:10:32,962 --> 01:10:35,431 for lifting up how this can also be 1757 01:10:35,431 --> 01:10:38,434 a both and conversation because we absolutely 1758 01:10:38,434 --> 01:10:39,301 need transit 1759 01:10:39,301 --> 01:10:41,604 and we need to make sure that our roads are protected 1760 01:10:41,604 --> 01:10:43,572 For those who are riding around in busses 1761 01:10:43,572 --> 01:10:46,275 and on their bicycles and walking and strolling as well. 1762 01:10:54,316 --> 01:10:54,683 Can I 1763 01:10:54,683 --> 01:10:57,720 just take a moment to say how poetic that answer was? 1764 01:10:57,720 --> 01:10:59,388 Yeah. You are so good. 1765 01:10:59,388 --> 01:11:02,391 You're so good. 1766 01:11:02,491 --> 01:11:03,792 It's like you're professionals up here. 1767 01:11:03,792 --> 01:11:05,694 Yeah. All right. 1768 01:11:05,694 --> 01:11:08,697 The next question is about cutting red tape. 1769 01:11:09,265 --> 01:11:12,101 Has the city of Seattle considered revisiting things 1770 01:11:12,101 --> 01:11:13,636 fire codes to be able to design 1771 01:11:13,636 --> 01:11:16,572 more streamlined stations and more affordable stations? 1772 01:11:16,572 --> 01:11:19,275 But in fact, it was my bill. 1773 01:11:19,275 --> 01:11:20,442 Yeah. 1774 01:11:20,442 --> 01:11:22,945 I mean, like, say, Trump. 1775 01:11:22,945 --> 01:11:25,948 I mean, literally the city of Seattle turned 1776 01:11:25,948 --> 01:11:28,951 what I think was over 187. 1777 01:11:28,951 --> 01:11:29,818 And I'm looking back there 1778 01:11:29,818 --> 01:11:34,290 180 790 distinct permits into 74. 1779 01:11:35,124 --> 01:11:35,691 Right. 1780 01:11:35,691 --> 01:11:39,895 And so there is a way where government can be in the way. 1781 01:11:40,195 --> 01:11:43,565 And we did not reduce anyone's ability 1782 01:11:43,866 --> 01:11:46,168 to submit comments. 1783 01:11:46,168 --> 01:11:47,403 We just 1784 01:11:47,403 --> 01:11:51,807 focused them into times that they could be relevant 1785 01:11:52,408 --> 01:11:55,177 and that we are then able to move forward. 1786 01:11:55,177 --> 01:11:58,213 So we are both streamlining process, 1787 01:11:58,480 --> 01:12:02,017 We are continuing to accept public feedback, 1788 01:12:02,251 --> 01:12:05,421 but we're not letting these pieces of red tape 1789 01:12:05,421 --> 01:12:07,389 and these programs and processes 1790 01:12:07,389 --> 01:12:09,858 stand in our way from moving quickly. 1791 01:12:09,858 --> 01:12:11,960 And that's why I passed the bill 1792 01:12:11,960 --> 01:12:13,128 here in the city of Seattle. 1793 01:12:13,128 --> 01:12:13,629 It's one 1794 01:12:13,629 --> 01:12:16,632 that I think that our other partner, our other region, 1795 01:12:16,765 --> 01:12:19,068 municipal cities need to also look at, 1796 01:12:19,068 --> 01:12:22,504 because when we have so many 1797 01:12:23,038 --> 01:12:24,540 if you think about every station 1798 01:12:24,540 --> 01:12:26,108 has to have its own permit, 1799 01:12:26,108 --> 01:12:29,578 every section of rail has to have its own permit, 1800 01:12:29,945 --> 01:12:33,248 We are literally just doing the same thing on repeat. 1801 01:12:33,615 --> 01:12:34,049 And it 1802 01:12:34,049 --> 01:12:36,685 when we do them in isolation, it provides 1803 01:12:36,685 --> 01:12:39,688 all of these different opportunities for delay 1804 01:12:39,688 --> 01:12:42,524 simply because of government bureaucracy. 1805 01:12:42,524 --> 01:12:45,561 And when we are able to package that same product 1806 01:12:45,761 --> 01:12:48,764 into a more efficient way of doing business, 1807 01:12:48,864 --> 01:12:50,099 we're saving time, 1808 01:12:50,099 --> 01:12:53,369 we're saving money, and we're delivering trains faster. 1809 01:12:58,941 --> 01:12:59,875 So I will 1810 01:12:59,875 --> 01:13:00,342 just add 1811 01:13:00,342 --> 01:13:03,345 thank you, Councilmember, for your leadership on that 1812 01:13:03,445 --> 01:13:06,782 and eager to continue on that work, figuring out 1813 01:13:06,782 --> 01:13:09,785 if we can do more, including by looking at our fire code. 1814 01:13:15,357 --> 01:13:15,791 All right. 1815 01:13:15,791 --> 01:13:18,761 Zooming from fire codes to things that are larger, 1816 01:13:18,761 --> 01:13:20,896 if projects in C3 are deferred, 1817 01:13:20,896 --> 01:13:23,665 is there talk of a Sound Transit for to finish lines 1818 01:13:23,665 --> 01:13:26,668 or even expand the system? Yes. 1819 01:13:30,072 --> 01:13:33,075 I mean, yes. 1820 01:13:36,378 --> 01:13:37,846 All right. 1821 01:13:37,846 --> 01:13:38,647 I'm going 1822 01:13:38,647 --> 01:13:39,014 I just 1823 01:13:39,014 --> 01:13:40,649 I'm just going to reiterate it one more time 1824 01:13:40,649 --> 01:13:44,186 because I think we can't say it enough that deferred. 1825 01:13:44,186 --> 01:13:46,021 If people talk about deferred right now, 1826 01:13:46,021 --> 01:13:48,424 that does not necessarily mean that we cannot build it 1827 01:13:48,424 --> 01:13:49,892 within the budget of Sound Transit. 1828 01:13:49,892 --> 01:13:51,193 Three, it means we need to do that 1829 01:13:51,193 --> 01:13:52,428 work to find the savings. 1830 01:13:52,428 --> 01:13:54,496 So just just want to keep saying that. 1831 01:13:54,763 --> 01:13:57,433 (applause) 1832 01:13:58,534 --> 01:13:59,501 -Can I jump in on that? 1833 01:13:59,501 --> 01:13:59,835 I just 1834 01:13:59,835 --> 01:14:01,103 I want to lift up the point 1835 01:14:01,103 --> 01:14:02,404 that the mayor just made as well, 1836 01:14:02,404 --> 01:14:05,307 because I think that a lot of us have been saying tonight 1837 01:14:05,307 --> 01:14:06,175 we don't 1838 01:14:06,175 --> 01:14:09,545 to have the take away be that there is anything deferred. 1839 01:14:09,845 --> 01:14:11,980 We don't want there to be a tier two list. 1840 01:14:11,980 --> 01:14:14,516 We don't want there to be an unaffordable list. 1841 01:14:14,516 --> 01:14:15,684 We recognize that 1842 01:14:15,684 --> 01:14:19,421 there is a 20 year plan that we have as a requirement 1843 01:14:19,421 --> 01:14:20,856 that we have to make balance. 1844 01:14:20,856 --> 01:14:21,790 But we're saying 1845 01:14:21,790 --> 01:14:25,594 that balance is that pie is not big enough 1846 01:14:25,594 --> 01:14:28,764 and we're not satisfied with the financing tools 1847 01:14:28,764 --> 01:14:29,698 that we have. 1848 01:14:29,698 --> 01:14:31,967 So if you're telling us that it doesn't fit, 1849 01:14:31,967 --> 01:14:33,836 we're going to broaden out the pie. 1850 01:14:33,836 --> 01:14:35,838 We're going to go to Olympia we're going to use 1851 01:14:35,838 --> 01:14:37,439 all these tools, we're going to invent new ones. 1852 01:14:37,439 --> 01:14:38,607 We're going to ask our 1853 01:14:38,607 --> 01:14:39,575 local partners 1854 01:14:39,575 --> 01:14:42,478 to help us with this, because we don't want the 1855 01:14:42,478 --> 01:14:46,048 outcome of this conversation to be a deferred list. 1856 01:14:46,348 --> 01:14:48,417 I think the point is really well taken. 1857 01:14:48,417 --> 01:14:48,951 We do 1858 01:14:48,951 --> 01:14:50,953 want to have a sense of timing 1859 01:14:50,953 --> 01:14:52,454 if something is ultimately 1860 01:14:52,454 --> 01:14:57,025 going to be delayed, but not a cut, right? 1861 01:14:57,059 --> 01:14:58,327 Not deferred, 1862 01:14:58,327 --> 01:14:59,862 not deferred indefinitely 1863 01:14:59,862 --> 01:15:01,964 like so many of our community partners have experienced. 1864 01:15:01,964 --> 01:15:04,967 So we want to have clarity on timelines, 1865 01:15:04,967 --> 01:15:07,503 but we also want there to be a commitment 1866 01:15:07,503 --> 01:15:08,437 to getting it done. 1867 01:15:08,437 --> 01:15:08,937 And that's, 1868 01:15:08,937 --> 01:15:10,072 I think, the difference between 1869 01:15:10,072 --> 01:15:12,808 what the board is saying now and what the financing tool 1870 01:15:12,808 --> 01:15:14,076 may have been in the past. 1871 01:15:14,076 --> 01:15:15,444 We need to change the narrative 1872 01:15:15,444 --> 01:15:17,913 and change the tools that we have to actually deliver it. 1873 01:15:17,913 --> 01:15:22,751 (applause) 1874 01:15:23,819 --> 01:15:25,320 -Can I just reiterate? 1875 01:15:25,320 --> 01:15:27,089 Yeah, that commitment is really critical. 1876 01:15:27,089 --> 01:15:30,792 I think it is very premature to say anything is deferred. 1877 01:15:30,926 --> 01:15:32,294 Think the characterizations 1878 01:15:32,294 --> 01:15:34,429 across the board here are accurate. 1879 01:15:34,429 --> 01:15:37,666 I had multiple state legislators call me 1880 01:15:38,133 --> 01:15:42,304 after this session saying that don't read the the death 1881 01:15:42,304 --> 01:15:44,039 of the 75 year bond bill 1882 01:15:44,039 --> 01:15:47,042 as a lack of an appetite from the state legislature. 1883 01:15:47,042 --> 01:15:47,543 Right. 1884 01:15:47,543 --> 01:15:49,411 That that bill passed out of the Senate. 1885 01:15:49,411 --> 01:15:50,913 It didn't make it out of the House, 1886 01:15:50,913 --> 01:15:54,449 but people are hungry to pass it next year was 1887 01:15:54,449 --> 01:15:55,350 what I'm hearing. 1888 01:15:55,350 --> 01:15:58,754 And so just one possible tool like that 1889 01:15:58,754 --> 01:16:02,124 which could save the agency a lot of money in the short 1890 01:16:02,124 --> 01:16:04,459 term to fund many other projects 1891 01:16:04,459 --> 01:16:07,462 is something that we should have hope about. 1892 01:16:07,529 --> 01:16:10,465 And so we have to continue advancing the ball. 1893 01:16:10,465 --> 01:16:12,601 It is premature to say anything is deferred 1894 01:16:12,601 --> 01:16:14,036 and we should absolutely leave 1895 01:16:14,036 --> 01:16:16,772 no stone unturned in advancing all of the projects. 1896 01:16:17,005 --> 01:16:21,510 (applause) 1897 01:16:21,877 --> 01:16:22,477 -All right. 1898 01:16:22,477 --> 01:16:25,113 And I'll let you all take a crack at this. 1899 01:16:25,113 --> 01:16:26,715 Final question. 1900 01:16:26,715 --> 01:16:29,451 How can transit riders most effectively advocate 1901 01:16:29,451 --> 01:16:31,587 for completing Sound Transit 3? 1902 01:16:35,624 --> 01:16:36,858 -I'll take a crack at it. 1903 01:16:36,858 --> 01:16:38,427 I think 1904 01:16:38,427 --> 01:16:39,561 first and foremost, 1905 01:16:39,561 --> 01:16:43,065 doing what you're doing is 100% helpful. 1906 01:16:43,332 --> 01:16:46,234 We all know that in our political world 1907 01:16:46,234 --> 01:16:48,236 the squeaky wheel gets the grease 1908 01:16:48,236 --> 01:16:50,706 and you all have been loud and proud, 1909 01:16:50,706 --> 01:16:54,109 and I've seen many variations of many T-shirts and 1910 01:16:54,242 --> 01:16:54,943 and hats. 1911 01:16:54,943 --> 01:16:58,747 And so continuing to elevate this topic is not 1912 01:16:58,747 --> 01:17:00,315 only for us as board members, 1913 01:17:00,315 --> 01:17:02,417 because I think you have a lot of allies on the board, 1914 01:17:02,417 --> 01:17:04,119 but also your state legislators, 1915 01:17:04,119 --> 01:17:08,123 your local partners, making sure that to convey 1916 01:17:08,123 --> 01:17:11,293 that Sound Transit and light rail stations 1917 01:17:11,493 --> 01:17:14,262 are not only critical, but that is something 1918 01:17:14,262 --> 01:17:15,998 that you should continue to convey. 1919 01:17:15,998 --> 01:17:18,934 Number two, I would say form partnerships 1920 01:17:18,934 --> 01:17:22,004 and alliances with each other across the sub areas 1921 01:17:22,137 --> 01:17:23,505 and across region. 1922 01:17:23,505 --> 01:17:25,874 We don't want to create a narrative 1923 01:17:25,874 --> 01:17:29,144 that people are just out for their own sub area, right? 1924 01:17:29,144 --> 01:17:30,178 We don't want to create 1925 01:17:30,178 --> 01:17:32,814 a narrative that if you invest in one sub 1926 01:17:32,814 --> 01:17:34,916 area that you're taking away from another 1927 01:17:34,916 --> 01:17:37,719 or we're eliminating projects to fund other projects, 1928 01:17:37,719 --> 01:17:38,987 that's not the narrative we want. 1929 01:17:38,987 --> 01:17:40,589 We want the narrative of, 1930 01:17:40,589 --> 01:17:42,824 my God, the Grand Street community and, the bowling 1931 01:17:42,824 --> 01:17:45,027 access community are all coming together 1932 01:17:45,027 --> 01:17:46,728 to say our fates are intertwined 1933 01:17:46,728 --> 01:17:48,163 and we want both of these. 1934 01:17:48,163 --> 01:17:50,098 We want you all to rise up together 1935 01:17:50,098 --> 01:17:52,701 and form those coalitions that really helps. 1936 01:17:52,701 --> 01:17:54,202 And number three, 1937 01:17:54,202 --> 01:17:57,205 I think the more specificity in what you're asking for, 1938 01:17:57,239 --> 01:17:58,974 the the more helpful if you're able 1939 01:17:58,974 --> 01:18:01,977 to cite specific bills that you want us to pass, 1940 01:18:02,110 --> 01:18:05,113 site specific strategies that you want us to employ, 1941 01:18:05,213 --> 01:18:06,181 that helps a lot. 1942 01:18:06,181 --> 01:18:09,151 You know, build the damn trains is a great slogan. 1943 01:18:09,151 --> 01:18:11,553 And I see somebody with like a 100 point plan 1944 01:18:11,553 --> 01:18:13,155 being held up in front of me. 1945 01:18:13,155 --> 01:18:14,589 That stuff really helps. 1946 01:18:14,589 --> 01:18:16,058 The build the Damn Trains is a great 1947 01:18:16,058 --> 01:18:19,061 slogan and additional stuff that you all are doing of 1948 01:18:19,161 --> 01:18:21,663 being very specific of what you want us to do 1949 01:18:21,663 --> 01:18:23,899 helps a lot as well. So thank you for doing that work. 1950 01:18:24,866 --> 01:18:29,304 (applause) 1951 01:18:30,739 --> 01:18:32,474 -Yeah, I mean, I agree with all of that. 1952 01:18:32,474 --> 01:18:33,809 And just in the interest of saying 1953 01:18:33,809 --> 01:18:35,944 something different, I'll just say 1954 01:18:35,944 --> 01:18:37,012 keep writing, transit, 1955 01:18:37,012 --> 01:18:38,747 get other people the right transit and keep 1956 01:18:38,747 --> 01:18:41,183 building momentum and support for transit generally. 1957 01:18:41,183 --> 01:18:44,186 So where my office is doing would be transmitting 1958 01:18:44,186 --> 01:18:46,455 a proposal for renewal of our sort 1959 01:18:46,455 --> 01:18:48,156 of our Seattle transit measure 1960 01:18:48,156 --> 01:18:50,225 that funds a lot of bus service here in Seattle 1961 01:18:50,225 --> 01:18:52,394 and affordable transit programs. 1962 01:18:52,394 --> 01:18:54,362 And we're going to also need all of your support 1963 01:18:54,362 --> 01:18:56,131 to get that passed this November. 1964 01:18:56,131 --> 01:18:57,933 So just yeah, I keep keep 1965 01:18:57,933 --> 01:19:00,235 being cheerleaders for public transit. 1966 01:19:00,669 --> 01:19:04,940 (applause and cheering) 1967 01:19:05,774 --> 01:19:07,576 -My answers show up. 1968 01:19:07,576 --> 01:19:09,644 90% of everything is showing up. 1969 01:19:09,644 --> 01:19:13,115 It's a lot harder to not see it. 1970 01:19:13,448 --> 01:19:16,451 It's hard to not see you when you show up. 1971 01:19:16,451 --> 01:19:17,552 Right? It is. 1972 01:19:17,552 --> 01:19:19,788 We see the numbers of emails we get. 1973 01:19:19,788 --> 01:19:22,591 We see the numbers of calls that we get. 1974 01:19:22,591 --> 01:19:25,460 And when we see you, we cannot look away. 1975 01:19:25,460 --> 01:19:28,130 So just showing up is really critical. 1976 01:19:28,130 --> 01:19:30,832 And with that, we have a town hall on Monday 1977 01:19:30,832 --> 01:19:32,200 at the National Nordic Museum 1978 01:19:32,200 --> 01:19:33,769 in Ballard starting at 6 p.m.. 1979 01:19:33,769 --> 01:19:34,636 We'd love to see you there. 1980 01:19:35,704 --> 01:19:40,709 (applause) 1981 01:19:41,309 --> 01:19:44,312 -I would add, 1982 01:19:46,982 --> 01:19:47,582 there's so 1983 01:19:47,582 --> 01:19:49,284 much patience in this room 1984 01:19:49,284 --> 01:19:51,520 and we need to be able to deliver. 1985 01:19:51,520 --> 01:19:52,320 Right. 1986 01:19:52,320 --> 01:19:53,121 I see 1987 01:19:53,121 --> 01:19:56,458 Jordan Crawley in the Back, who owns the Alchemy Academy, 1988 01:19:56,458 --> 01:19:59,161 where our kiddo went in North Delbridge. Who? 1989 01:19:59,161 --> 01:20:01,163 Whose Small business? 1990 01:20:01,163 --> 01:20:02,097 Family business. 1991 01:20:02,097 --> 01:20:03,465 That is the largest child 1992 01:20:03,465 --> 01:20:04,332 care facility in West 1993 01:20:04,332 --> 01:20:07,335 Seattle is in the path of the North Delbridge Station. 1994 01:20:07,469 --> 01:20:08,370 And they have said, 1995 01:20:08,370 --> 01:20:12,140 we want light rail, we just want some answers. 1996 01:20:12,140 --> 01:20:13,775 And I think everyone here is saying 1997 01:20:13,775 --> 01:20:16,077 we want light rail and we want answers. 1998 01:20:16,077 --> 01:20:18,146 We want to be part of the solution 1999 01:20:18,146 --> 01:20:21,082 and we need to be able to lean in and offer answers 2000 01:20:21,082 --> 01:20:24,753 and timelines and solutions and the vision to businesses 2001 01:20:24,753 --> 01:20:25,554 and residents 2002 01:20:25,554 --> 01:20:26,521 and community members 2003 01:20:26,521 --> 01:20:28,123 who've been asking for so long to 2004 01:20:28,123 --> 01:20:29,758 how are we going to make this work? 2005 01:20:29,758 --> 01:20:30,792 And I want to thank 2006 01:20:30,792 --> 01:20:34,529 businesses and residents who are directly impacted 2007 01:20:34,696 --> 01:20:37,699 and those who've been waiting and engaging for so long. 2008 01:20:38,200 --> 01:20:41,369 As my colleague said, you know, $30 million a month 2009 01:20:41,369 --> 01:20:43,672 is how much we're losing if we don't take action. 2010 01:20:43,672 --> 01:20:45,674 So the most important thing for us 2011 01:20:45,674 --> 01:20:46,274 is to be able 2012 01:20:46,274 --> 01:20:48,777 to have clarity after this month on how 2013 01:20:48,777 --> 01:20:50,011 we're going to move forward 2014 01:20:50,011 --> 01:20:52,447 and the end the financing tools 2015 01:20:52,447 --> 01:20:54,182 that will be able to deliver, 2016 01:20:54,182 --> 01:20:56,451 if anything, please hear us in 2017 01:20:56,451 --> 01:20:59,120 that we're not hitting lines against each other, 2018 01:20:59,120 --> 01:21:01,590 that we're not pitting stations against each other, 2019 01:21:01,590 --> 01:21:04,593 that we are not interested in a deferred list 2020 01:21:04,593 --> 01:21:06,862 or a tier two and never to happen list 2021 01:21:06,862 --> 01:21:08,129 that we are committed 2022 01:21:08,129 --> 01:21:09,998 to using these financing tools 2023 01:21:09,998 --> 01:21:12,033 and working with greater clarity. 2024 01:21:12,033 --> 01:21:13,268 We owe that to the state 2025 01:21:14,302 --> 01:21:16,371 to actually have a comprehensive plan 2026 01:21:16,371 --> 01:21:18,240 that we go to Olympia with to be able 2027 01:21:18,240 --> 01:21:20,942 to show them the delta and what will be delivered. 2028 01:21:20,942 --> 01:21:22,811 If we're asking for this tool, 2029 01:21:22,811 --> 01:21:25,580 we do that as much last year because we didn't have 2030 01:21:25,580 --> 01:21:27,415 the advanced design directive 2031 01:21:27,415 --> 01:21:30,218 that is needed to be able to give them that clarity 2032 01:21:30,218 --> 01:21:32,153 to show them what the dollars would be 2033 01:21:32,153 --> 01:21:33,688 and then to be able to figure out 2034 01:21:33,688 --> 01:21:35,724 with our partners, as you've been talking about, 2035 01:21:35,724 --> 01:21:38,293 what we also might need to be able to do. 2036 01:21:38,293 --> 01:21:39,561 So please hear us 2037 01:21:39,561 --> 01:21:41,997 and that we know you have been extremely patient. 2038 01:21:41,997 --> 01:21:43,531 We owe you a plan 2039 01:21:43,531 --> 01:21:45,300 that shows you how we're going to do this. 2040 01:21:45,300 --> 01:21:46,101 And and 2041 01:21:46,101 --> 01:21:47,335 and if you can help us 2042 01:21:47,335 --> 01:21:49,404 in helping to clarify the narrative, 2043 01:21:49,404 --> 01:21:51,273 we're not going to turn against each other. 2044 01:21:51,273 --> 01:21:53,041 We're only going to build, build build 2045 01:21:54,309 --> 01:21:55,744 (applause) 2046 01:21:58,213 --> 01:21:58,813 -Executive. 2047 01:21:58,813 --> 01:22:00,348 Take us home. 2048 01:22:00,348 --> 01:22:00,482 -Yeah. 2049 01:22:00,482 --> 01:22:02,784 I just wanted to add 2 to 2 additional points 2050 01:22:02,784 --> 01:22:05,053 just to build off that the point of regionalism 2051 01:22:05,053 --> 01:22:06,655 and working together, 2052 01:22:06,655 --> 01:22:09,758 just hammering home the point that when we're 2053 01:22:09,758 --> 01:22:11,626 talking about a regional system, 2054 01:22:11,626 --> 01:22:12,761 it's a reminder 2055 01:22:12,761 --> 01:22:15,931 that every part of the system affects every other 2056 01:22:15,931 --> 01:22:17,098 part of the system. 2057 01:22:17,098 --> 01:22:18,300 And so of course, having 2058 01:22:18,300 --> 01:22:23,738 a strong, resilient core helps with getting around 2059 01:22:23,738 --> 01:22:26,741 and mobility in the edges of the system. 2060 01:22:26,908 --> 01:22:28,109 You know, in the last couple of years 2061 01:22:28,109 --> 01:22:30,412 on what I've been working on the Rainier 2062 01:22:30,412 --> 01:22:32,213 Valley Safety Master plan and making 2063 01:22:32,213 --> 01:22:35,183 sure that we keep the Rainer Valley safe because of that 2064 01:22:35,183 --> 01:22:36,217 great station. 2065 01:22:36,217 --> 01:22:36,718 That was it. 2066 01:22:36,718 --> 01:22:40,121 Only because we care about the lives of people 2067 01:22:40,121 --> 01:22:41,222 in Rainier Valley, which we do. 2068 01:22:41,222 --> 01:22:43,358 It's that's my home district, 2069 01:22:43,358 --> 01:22:44,826 but also because 2070 01:22:44,826 --> 01:22:48,296 if 70% of the collisions are having happening in this 2071 01:22:48,463 --> 01:22:51,466 little four mile stretch of the system, that of course 2072 01:22:52,033 --> 01:22:54,369 impacts reliability and frequency 2073 01:22:54,369 --> 01:22:55,770 every other part of the system. 2074 01:22:55,770 --> 01:22:58,807 And so if you lead with that messaging and form alliances 2075 01:22:58,807 --> 01:22:59,808 with your partners 2076 01:22:59,808 --> 01:23:03,945 all across the region, that helps us on this end as. 2077 01:23:03,945 --> 01:23:05,680 Well, because when we have to start 2078 01:23:05,680 --> 01:23:06,514 making decisions 2079 01:23:06,514 --> 01:23:09,651 about the second downtown tunnel and the cost sharing, 2080 01:23:09,784 --> 01:23:14,889 having you having that having you as our allies 2081 01:23:14,889 --> 01:23:17,025 in reaching out to s King County 2082 01:23:17,025 --> 01:23:19,294 and South King County and the other counties, 2083 01:23:19,294 --> 01:23:22,297 talking about the fact that that system and the cost 2084 01:23:22,297 --> 01:23:24,399 sharing impacts the entire system 2085 01:23:24,399 --> 01:23:25,433 and not just Seattle 2086 01:23:25,433 --> 01:23:28,436 and not just north sub area, that that helps a lot. 2087 01:23:28,436 --> 01:23:30,705 And then the last point I wanted to make 2088 01:23:30,705 --> 01:23:32,774 that I would leave you with is 2089 01:23:32,774 --> 01:23:34,242 I would love it if you left 2090 01:23:35,210 --> 01:23:36,111 the heat 2091 01:23:36,111 --> 01:23:39,147 for the board members and show nothing 2092 01:23:39,147 --> 01:23:42,150 but gratitude for Sound Transit staff right. 2093 01:23:42,217 --> 01:23:45,220 They are 2094 01:23:47,355 --> 01:23:49,724 they are for out 2095 01:23:49,724 --> 01:23:52,961 and so they are working their butts off. 2096 01:23:52,961 --> 01:23:55,964 It's not every day that you hand somebody 2097 01:23:56,097 --> 01:23:59,401 a bill and say find me $35 billion of cost savings. 2098 01:23:59,401 --> 01:23:59,801 Right. 2099 01:23:59,801 --> 01:24:03,505 $35 billion is more than triple King County's 2100 01:24:03,505 --> 01:24:05,607 entire annual budget. 2101 01:24:05,607 --> 01:24:07,609 So that's a lot of cost savings. Fine. 2102 01:24:07,609 --> 01:24:10,678 So they're absolutely leaving no stone unturned. 2103 01:24:10,678 --> 01:24:12,781 They're fighting. They're working nonstop. 2104 01:24:12,781 --> 01:24:14,783 And so there is a lot of heat to go around. 2105 01:24:14,783 --> 01:24:16,718 But I would say direct that heat at us 2106 01:24:16,718 --> 01:24:18,686 and show gratitude to the Sound Transit staff. 2107 01:24:18,686 --> 01:24:19,521 Thank you. 2108 01:24:19,921 --> 01:24:22,824 (applause) 2109 01:24:23,725 --> 01:24:24,726 -All right. 2110 01:24:24,726 --> 01:24:27,595 Let's give a huge round of applause to our panelists 2111 01:24:27,595 --> 01:24:29,898 and our board members up here. 2112 01:24:29,898 --> 01:24:30,865 Thank you. Executive Zahilay, 2113 01:24:30,865 --> 01:24:32,534 Mayor Wilson, Councilmember 2114 01:24:32,534 --> 01:24:34,602 Mosqueda and Councilmember Strauss 2115 01:24:34,602 --> 01:24:36,271 for being here and joining us.